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The brand new OM System OM-5 Mark II and its predecessor the OM System OM-5 are very similar in appearance, so which full-frame mirrorless camera is right for you? We take a closer look in our head-to-head comparison of the OM5 II versus the OM-5.
The Canon PowerShot V10 is an affordable compact camera specifically aimed at vloggers, with a unique vertical design with built-in kick-stand, 4K/30p video recording and a 19mm wide-angle lens. Should you upgrade from your smartphone to the Canon V10? Read our in-depth Canon PowerShot V10 review to find out...
The Pixel 7 Pro is Google's flagship smartphone for 2022, yet it's priced at just £849 / $899. Does it offer similar performance and features to other, more expensive range-topping handsets? Read our in-depth Google Pixel 7 Pro review to find out just what it offers photographers and videographers, complete with full-size sample photos and videos.
The OM System OM-5 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera that is dust, splash and freeze proof.
Offering up to 7.5EV steps of image stabilization, computational photography features, 4K/30p and vertical video, the OM5 will be available in silver or black in late-November 2022 priced at £1,199.99 / €1,299.00 / $1,199.99.
The brand new OM System OM-5 and its predecessor the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III are very similar in appearance, so which full-frame mirrorless camera is right for you? We take a closer look in our head-to-head comparison of the OM5 versus the EM5 III.
The OM System OM-1 is a new flagship mirrorless camera that can shoot 20 megapixel images at 50fps and record 4K/60p movies.
The 2022 version of the OM-1 features a new Stacked BSI Live MOS sensor and the world’s first Cross Quad Pixel AF system.
The OM System OM-1 is priced at £1,999.99 / $2,199 and will be available from the beginning of March 2022.
You can download full-size OM System OM-1 sample photos and videos in our gallery. We've also compared the OM-1 to the E-M1 III and the E-M1X.
The new GH5M2 replaces the 4-year-old GH5 as Panasonic's flagship all-round Micro Four Thirds sensor mirrorless camera for 2021 - at least until the GH6 is launched later this year. So what exactly has changed in the 4 years since the launch of the GH5, and is the older model still worth considering? We take a closer look in our detailed head-to-head comparison of the Panasonic GH5M2 versus the GH5.
The Instax Mini 40 is a classic, retro-inspired entry-point into the world of instant film photography. Featuring auto-exposure and a built-in 'selfie' lens setting, is it worth the asking price of $99 / £89? Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 review to find out...
The Pixel 5 is Google's flagship smartphone for 2020, yet it's priced at just £599 / $699. Does it offer similar performance and features to other, much more expensive range-topping handsets? Read our in-depth Google Pixel 5 review to find out if what it offers photographers, complete with full-size sample photos and videos.
The new Panasonic S5 mirrorless camera is smaller and lighter than the popular GH5, but with a full-frame sensor rather than a much smaller Micro Four Thirds one!
It even has exactly the same 24.2 megapixel sensor as the much more expensive S1H model.
The Lumix S5 offers 4K 60p 4:2:0 internal video recording (with small crop), making it the only sub-£2000 camera to offer this.
Internal 10-bit video is available with a 30 minute time limit, tested at 40-degrees (almost double the temperature of some rivals).
You can then re-record for another 30 mins straight-away, and so on. In 8-bit, there is no recording time limit at all.
The full V-Log profile is pre-installed on the Panasonic S5 – it's not the light version or a paid upgrade – offering 14-stops of dynamic range.
You can switch between NTSC/PAL modes at any time without having to reformat the memory card or power down the camera.
The Panasonic Lumix S5 still uses contrast-based auto-focusing with DFD technology, but Panasonic claim that a brand new algorithm means that Face/Eye/Head AF is greatly improved.
There's no All-Intra codec – LongGOP instead - and the S5 uses a Micro HDMI port rather than a standard one.
Anamorphic 4K is included, as is automatic dual native ISO (you can't manually turn this feature on and off though). 4:3 Anamorphic mode is recorded in super-35mm crop mode.
There's a free-angle LCD screen on the back, 6.5 stops of in-body image stabilisation, and dual SD card slots
The Panasonic S5 can shoot 96 megapixel jpegs or raw files in the clever hi-resolution mode.
There are now 7 different 4K 10-bit cameras in Panasonic's extensive line-up. The S1H actually outsold the Panasonic S1 in 2019, despite only selling for 6 months rather than 12.
The Sony A7III, Canon EOS R and Nikon Z5 are the S5's main rivals.
The Panasonic Lumix S5 is priced at £1799 body only or £1999 with the 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, and it will ship mid-end September 2020.
In addition, Panasonic have unveiled a new firmware roadmap for the end-2020.
There's also an updated lens roadmap with an 85mm F1.8 lens due to be shipped by November and costing less than $1000. 24mm, 35mm and 50mm F1.8 lenses are the other new additions, along with a 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 telephoto zoom.
The XCD 65mm F2.8 is a standard "nifty-fifty" prime lens for the Hasselblad X digital medium-format camera system. Is this lens well-suited to life inside and outside of the studio? Find out now by reading our in-depth Hasselblad XCD 65mm F2.8 review, complete with full-size sample photos.
The Z5 is Nikon's brand new entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera, sitting below the mid-range Z6 and flagship Z7 models in the three-camera lineup, and above the APS-C sensor Z50. Designed to compete with the likes of the Canon EOS R, Sony A7 III and Panasonic Lumix S1, does the Z5 have what it takes to stand out in an increasingly crowded market? Find out now by reading our in-depth Nikon Z5 review, complete with full-size sample photos and videos.
Hot on the heels of the Sony ZV-1 comes another camera aimed directly at vloggers and Youtubers in the shape of the Panasonic Lumix G100. This time it's a mirrorless interchangeable lens model, rather than a compact with a fixed lens. The tiny Lumix G100 also has a lot to offer stills photographers too - find out if it can make the grade in our in-depth review...
The Lumix S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. is the third member of Panasonic's full-frame lenses for professionals, joining the 16-35mm F4 and 24-70mm F2.8 that we've recently and enthusiastically reviewed. Can the 70-200mm F2.8 emulate their success? Find out now by reading our in-depth Panasonic Lumix S PRO 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. Review...
The Lumix S PRO 16-35mm F4 is a new ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for the Panasonic, Sigma and Leica L-mount mirrorless camera system. Read our in-depth Panasonic 16-35mm F4 review with full-size sample images now to find out if this lens can live up to its PRO billing...
Luminar 4.2 now offers AI Augmented Sky capabilities, which enables photographers to create unique, one-of-a-kind digital art pieces. This free update for all Luminar 4 users also contains important enhancements to its portrait tools.
Nikon have introduced two new Z full-frame mirrorless lenses - a 20mm prime and a 24-200mm travel telephoto zoom.
The Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S will be available from 19th March 2020 priced at £1,049 / $1,049.95.
The Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR will be available from 16th April 2020 priced at £849 / $899.95.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a new professional mirrorless camera with an exceptionally compact and lightweight design that's designed for outstanding mobility.
Coming across like a mini E-M1X, the E-M1 Mark III features a 20.4 Megapixel Live MOS sensor, the world’s best image stabilization system with 7.5 shutter speed steps of compensation, a new OLED viewfinder, the very latest Truepic IX processor, 50 megapixel Handheld High Res Shot mode and 80 Megapixel Tripod High Res Shot function, a Live ND without a filter, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, 121-point all cross-type On-chip Phase Detection AF sensor, 18 fps high-speed sequential shooting with AF/AE tracking, and Cinema 4K video recording.
The Olympus EM1 Mark III will be available from late February 2020 in black priced at £1,599.99 body only.
Different kit versions are also available, with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40 F2.8 PRO lens priced at £2,199.99 or with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100 F4.0 IS PRO lens priced at £2,499.99.
The EOS Ra is Canon's first ever full-frame camera for astronomical photography.
Featuring a new infrared blocking filter (IR filter) allowing even higher hydrogen alpha (Hα) light to reach the imaging sensor, it enables four times as much of this hydrogen alpha light to be transmitted compared to the EOS R.
Unlike other full frame astro cameras, it is portable and has no need for external power and connection to a computer.
The new Canon EOS Ra will be on sale in early-mid December priced at £2599.99 / €3019.99 / $2,499.00.
ON1, Inc. have announced the availability of the public beta of the new ON1 Photo RAW 2020, a professional-grade photo organizer, raw processor, layered editor, and effects app.
ON1 Photo RAW 2020 is available today for download as a free public beta from the ON1 website. Previous owners of any ON1 product can pre-order the upgrade for just $79.99 and those who don't own earlier versions of ON1 can pre-order the full version for $99.99.
The Panasonic Lumix GX880 is a sleek and stylish mirrorless camera for high-quality 4K shooting with advanced selfie function technology.
Available in black, silver or tan, the Lumix GX880 kit with 12-32mm lens will be available to buy from the end of June 2019, priced at £399.99 / €449.00 (Ireland).
The Canon EOS 250D / Rebel SL3 is the world’s lightest DSLR with a moveable screen. Key features of the EOS 250D (Europe) and Rebel SL3 (USA) include a guided user interface for easy operation, a 24.1 Megapixel Dual Pixel CMOS APS-C sensor, DIGIC 8 processor, 4K movie capability, super-fast and responsive autofocus, and excellent connectivity to smart devices.
In Europe, the Canon EOS 250D will be available in black, silver and white from 25th April 2019 for £529.99/ €599.99 body only and £599.99/ €709.99 for the body with a EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM lens.
In the US, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 will be available toward the end of April for purchase in black and white color options for an estimated retail price of $599.99 for the body only and $749.99 for the body with a EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM lens.
Luminar Flex is a brand new plugin that offers unique and powerful editing features to help photographers elevate the creativity of their images. Luminar Flex plugin fits into almost every photographer’s workflow, integrating with third-party tools like Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Photoshop Elements and Photos for macOS.
Luminar Flex is priced at $59/€59/£54 and is available now.
The Sony Alpha A9 camera will receive several major enhancements to its autofocus (AF) performance and image quality, as well as a variety of new features that are designed to improve the overall workflow for professional photographers.
In addition, new software updates for the Alpha A7R III and A7 III will be available, adding the latest ‘Real-time Eye AF’ enhancements and interval recording capabilities.
DJI has introduced a powerful new remote controller for its drones at CES 2019. The Smart Controller features an ultra-bright display screen and controls optimized for DJI drones, allowing pilots to fly the newest drones without using a smartphone or tablet.
Skylum Software is now shipping Aurora HDR 2019, its fourth generation, high dynamic range editor. Aurora HDR 2019 is available for a one-time purchase price of $99. Current users of Aurora HDR can upgrade for a one-time price of $59.
Skylum have posted a short video showcasing Luminar with its upcoming image catalog (DAM), which will be released in December 2018. The video demonstrates how quickly the image browsing works in Luminar, which could become a serious rival to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom with the addition of digital asset management.
"Here’s a quick speed test of the new Luminar with the support of image browsing. Stay tuned for more news. The new update is coming later this year for both Mac and PC, and will be free for all the current owners of Luminar 2018. More updates are coming soon…"
This update is free for all Luminar 2018 users. There will be NO paid upgrade to Luminar 2019.
Schneider-Kreuznach will present several B+W innovations at Photokina 2018 in Cologne, Germany next.
Aurora HDR 2019 has Skylum’s new AI-powered Quantum HDR Engine with new tone mapping technology to create the most realistic, immersive high dynamic range photographs possible. Aurora HDR 2019 is a capable HDR editing software designed not only for professional, experienced and beginner photographers, but also as a solution for real estate marketing.
Pre-orders for the Aurora HDR 2019 start September 12th. New users can purchase the new version for $89 and current users of Aurora HDR may upgrade for a limited time at a special price of $49.
84.5mm / 100mm camera filters have just launched a new series of middle-hard graduated ND filters.
Prices of filters start at 19.95 € for 84.5 width, 49.95 € for 100mm width (you can apply coupon code MIDHARD30OFF for additional 30% time-limited discount).
The Huawei Mate 20 lite is now available to buy in the UK. Equipped with four AI cameras, including enhanced front cameras with an AI selfie experience for impressive photos with high clarity, the Mate 20 lite combines AI technology with high-performance hardware, powerful battery life and a stylish design at an affordable price point.
The Mate 20 lite is available to purchase from RRP £379 at Carphone Warehouse and Vodafone from today, with EE to follow from October. The device will be available in two striking colours; Black and Sapphire Blue.
Photolemur 3 includes several updates across the software, from technology to user interface, including automatic face enhancement with skin retouch and teeth whitening. Photolemur 3 is the world’s first fully automated enhancer for MacOS and Windows that adjusts photos quickly and automatically with the help of its AI technology.
Until September 13, 2018, Photolemur 3 is available at a special pre-order price for $49 for a family licence (5 activations) with a collection of bonuses. The product will be released on September 14, 2018.
Nikon has announced the release of two full-frame, Nikon FX format mirrorless cameras, the Z7 and Z6, as well as NIKKOR Z lenses, featuring a new, larger-diameter mount.
The Z7 has 45.7 effective megapixels, and supports a standard sensitivity range of ISO 64–25600.
The Z6 is an all-purpose FX-format camera with an effective pixel count of 24.5 megapixels, and supports the wide range of ISO 100–51200 standard sensitivities, plus full-frame 4K UHD movie recording with full pixel readout.
The MB-N10 battery pack that is currently in development will hold two EN-EL15b rechargeable Li-ion batteries.
The Nikon Z 7 will be available September 27 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $3399.95* for the body-only configuration, or for $3999.95* SRP as a kit with the new NIKKOR Z 24-70 f/4 S lens. The Nikon Z 6 will be available in late November for the $1995.95* SRP for the body only configuration, or for the $2,599.95* SRP with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens kit.
The Nikon Coolpix P1000 superzoom bridge camera features an incredible 125X optical zoom lens offering a focal range of 24-3000mm. Nikon also announced the new ML-L7 Bluetooth connected remote as another optional accessory available for the P1000.
The Nikon P1000 will have a suggested retail price of $999.95 / £999 / €1499.00 and will be available in September 2018.
Sigma today announced its Sigma Lens Workshops lineup for July. Workshops will be led by Sigma’s Brett Wells and Aaron Norberg, and will focus on various photography genres including astrophotography, how to shoot moving water, travel and macro photography.
Capsule360 is a new app-controlled motion box that brings advanced video features such as smart-subject tracking and learned-action movement, as well as astrophotography and motion time-lapse modes, to all.
European company 84.5mm / 100mm camera filters have just introduced a new series of photographic filters called ULTIMATE LINE. These are 100mm wide Neutral density camera filters made of high quality organic glass CR-39 and are fully compatible with all other standard filter systems / holders of various brands.
The Panasonic Lumix TZ200 is an extremely well-appointed premium compact camera, offering a mouth-watering array of photographer friendly features and a versatile 15x zoom lens, all wrapped up in a body that you can easily slip inside your pocket. Is this the best compact camera on the market? Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix TZ200 review, complete with full-size sample images and movies, to find out...
The Panasonic GF10 / GF90 is a new mirrorless camera aimed at beginners. Accompanied by the strapline "My First Mirrorless", the GF10 / GF90 has a special "4K Selphy" mode that allows you to shoot selfies using the camera's 4K Photo 30fps high speed continuous shooting mode. The 16 megapixel DC-GF10 also sports a new color, now available in Black, White or Orange, a redesigned grip that looks suspiciously like the one found on the Olympus E-PL8, and it uses Micro SD memory cards. Sales of the Panasonic GF10 / GF90 will start in Japan on February 22nd 2018. Note that there is no difference in product specifications between the DC-GF10 / DC-GF90 part numbers.
DxO PhotoLab is the re-branded successor to DxO Optics Pro 10, a popular RAW conversion software program. DxO PhotoLab builds on DxO Optics Pro primarily by adding the ability to make localised image adjustments. Read our in-depth DxO PhotoLab review to find out if it's a viable alternative to Adobe Photoshop..
The Rotolight AEOS is an ultra-portable, all-in-one bi-colour LED light and HSS flash for both video and photography. Is this the only light that you need for both the studio and on location? Read our in-depth Rotolight AEOS review to find out...
SkyPixel, in cooperation with DJI, have announced their 2017 SkyPixel Photo Contest. Running from October 26 to December 29, the SkyPixel 2017 Photo Contest welcomes submissions from both professionals and enthusiasts, who are invited to enter one or more of the three categories including Landscape, Portrait and the brand new Story, which calls for photographers to share not just the images they capture, but also the stories they curate. This year’s Grand Prize winner will receive a reward worth over €12,500; including a DJI Inspire 2 with Zenmuse X7 DL-S 16mm F2.8 ND ASPH, an iPhone X 256G, a Nikon D850 FX-format Digital SLR Camera Body, a Lowepro Pro Runner RL x450 AW II, a Manfrotto MKBFRC4-BH Befree Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ball Head, and more. Professional and Enthusiast groups will have a First, Second and Third Prize in each category, with rewards up to €5,500. SkyPixel will also give out a Popular Prize reward to the top ten most liked entries and an additional nine will stand to win Nominated Entries rewards. The deadline for entries is 29th December.
Sigma will showcase its full range of Sigma Global Vision lenses, including a brand-new addition to the line, at the upcoming PDN PhotoPlus Expo 2017 Expo held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City from 26-28 October 2017. The company will also have on hand its Sigma Cine high-speed Primes and Zooms as well as the Foveon sensor-based sd Quattro and Quattro H cameras. Last but not least, a distinguished line-up of Sigma Pro speakers will take to the Sigma stage and offer attendees a behind-the-lens look at the techniques and technology that captured some of the year’s most outstanding photographs in the areas of aviation, editorial, glamour, landscapes, travel and weddings (click through / scroll down for the schedule). PPE 2017 attendees who visit Sigma at booth 837 will have a chance to enter and win a Sigma grand giveaway – a 24-70mm F2.8 Art lens – an MSRP value of $1299.
Jessops now offers a 30-day Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan membership with selected purchases including all cameras, camcorders, lenses, drones and Jessops Academy courses. Jessops Academy aims to help you get the most out of your camera and offer you a range of photographic opportunities through a selection of courses, workshops, experiences and trips. The Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan is a subscription-based service that gives users access to the latest versions of Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom as well as the Adobe Spark web app and a number of mobile apps and services.
The Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art is currently the fastest wide-angle prime lens for full-frame DSLR cameras, making it ideal for astro-photography. Read our expert Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art review to find out if it's as good as it looks on paper...
DJI has launched the DJI Spark, an easy-to-use, fun-to-fly mini camera drone that lifts off from the palm of your hand. According to the company, Spark is the first drone that users can control by hand gestures alone, successfully removing the barriers between them and their camera in the sky. Even if you’ve never flown a drone before, flying Spark is easy because the only remote controller you’ll need is your hand. “Controlling a camera drone with hand movements alone is a major step towards making aerial technology an intuitive part of everyone’s daily life, from work and adventure to moments with friends and family,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Manager at DJI. “Spark’s revolutionary new interface lets you effortlessly extend your point of view to the air, making it easier than ever to capture and share the world from new perspectives.” The DJI Spark houses a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor that captures 12 megapixel photos and shoots stabilised HD 1080p videos. The drone's 2-axis mechanical gimbal and UltraSmooth technology reduce shake and rolling shutter. The retail price of a DJI Spark, including an aircraft, a battery, a USB charger and three pairs of propellers, is £519 (€599).
The Epson International Pano Awards 2017 competition is now open for entries. Dedicated to the art of panoramic photography, the 8th Epson International Pano Awards is open to all professional and amateur photographers with a combined pool of more than $50,000, including $22,000 cash. Prizes include an Epson SureColor P7070 and an Epson SureColor P5070 printer, and an Epson EB-1776 ultra-slim projector. “Epson is proud to continue its support as the title partner of The International Pano Awards in 2017,” said Craig Heckenberg, General Manager, Business Division, Epson Australia. “Each year the competition continues to go from strength to strength and nothing highlights this better than the fact that the awards now attract entries from over 60 countries around the world. The images submitted are nothing short of spectacular and I am confident 2017 will raise the bar once again.” For the first time ever, Nikon is now also sponsoring the Awards. Early-bird entries are open now until Sunday, 9 July 2017.
Hasselblad has announced the 2017 Hasselblad Experience workshop series. Hosted by a selection of top photographers, guests will have access to a range of professional Hasselblad equipment during the trips including the X1D and all existing lenses. Whether guests are new to photography or established photographers, they will learn a variety of techniques to develop their skills, and perfect their shooting and composition while visiting some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. Click through / scroll down for the fullHasselblad Experience schedule.
Panasonic will exhibit at the upcoming Photography Show (stand D41) held at the NEC in Birmingham from 18th – 21st March. The hotly anticipated Lumix GH5 will be making its first appearance at a consumer trade show, allowing visitors to see the camera for potentially the first time. Additionally, a number of Lumix G Ambassadors and professional photographers will be speaking at the Behind the Lens theatre and the brand new Video Theatre. The company has also teamed up with Camera World and London Camera Exchange to give visitors the chance to secure exclusive show offers on the Lumix and Lumix G range (available from their stands at D21 and E51 respectively).
Forces Mutual today announced the winners of their photography competition for the British Armed Forces community including Civilian Contractors and the wider Military family. Overall winner Royal Engineer Section Commander Nick Johns was awarded the highest prize for capturing fellow 22 Engineer Regiment “Sapper” and street artist Adam Williams painting Queen Elizabeth II onto a wall in their Camp Taji barracks in Iraq to commemorate Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday in May 2016. The judges were unanimous in their selection of the overall winning image, impressed by the juxtaposition of the informality of street art with the regal splendour of a royal portrait, all within the stark and dusty confines of a Military camp in Iraq. As overall prize winner Nick will receive £750 of photography vouchers from Forces Mutual. Winners of the additional Genuine Moments categories include Wayne Page Sr., Philip Dye, James Goff, Tilly Lambert Lee, Otis Taitt and Philip Collins.
The winners of the 3rd International Landscape Photographer of the Year (ILPOTY) competition have been announced. From 2394 entries, the winner of the third International Landscape Photographer of the Year (based on a folio submission of at least 4 images) is Alex Noriega from the USA, while the winner of the third International Landscape Photograph of the Year (awarded for a single image) is a picture by Hougaard Malan, from South Africa (reprinted above), who also won the Waterfall Award. Runners-up include Kath Salier, Peter Poppe, Simone Cmoon and Eberhard Ehmke. The Black & White Award went to Guy Havell, the Dominant Sky category was won by Leonardo Papèra, the South America Award was given to Kalan Robb, while the Squarial (square aerial) Award was won by Ignacio Palacios.
The winning images in the 2016 international Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) awards have just been revealed. Joel Santos has become the first-ever Portuguese overall winner in the awards' 14-year history, beating photographers from 123 countries to take the title of Travel Photographer of the Year 2016. His winning entry features a portfolio depicting traditional fishing in Ghana and – in another first for TPOTY – an aerial portfolio captured using a drone, giving a bird’s eye view of one of the hottest places in the world, Ethiopia's Danakil Depression. In addition to the significant international exposure that comes with winning TPOTY, Joel Santos receives £4,000, a selection of StaaG luxury leather travel goods and sterling silver accessories (worth over £1250), £500 to spend on the Páramo clothing of his choice, and a Plastic Sandwich personalized leather portfolio case. The Young Travel Photographer of the Year 2016 is 14-year old Darpan Basak from India, 18-year old Courtney Moore (USA) won Young TPOTY 15-18 and Ankit Kumar (India) won Young TPOTY 14 and Under. Basak receives £500, Photo Iconic photography tuition and a Plastic Sandwich leather portfolio case. Each Young TPOTY age group winner receives £250 plus Photo Iconic photography tuition.
SkyPixel is calling for all creators to enter its 2016 annual aerial photography contest in conjunction with DJI. The competition, which runs from 26th October to 30th December, is open to all entrants and features both “enthusiast” and “professional” groups to which users can submit their photos. Entrants can choose between the categories of “beauty”, encompassing natural landscape and urban architecture and “360-degree aerial panorama,” which showcases immersive 360-degree views from above, aided by Virtual Reality (VR). Photos can be taken with any aerial equipment. A final category, “Drones In Use,” features photos taken from any device of drones in flight. This year’s Grand Prize will be a DJI Mystery Box, a DJI Mavic Pro, Epson Moverio BT-300 smart glasses and Epson SureColor P400 Wide Format Photo Printer and a one-year Adobe Creative Cloud Photography membership.
The Elinchrom EL-Skyport Plus HS transmitter is now available to Olympus users. This will give them the ability to control and visualise power settings for all their compatible Elinchrom lights and the capability to shoot at speeds up to 1/8000s in Hi-Sync mode. The ODS (Over Drive Sync) enables users to fine tune the Skyport Plus HS transmitter’s trigger signal to optimise exposure at high shutter speeds whilst gaining up to 2 more f-stops of light. The transmitter attaches easily and securely to the hotshoe with its quick-lock mechanism, and is powered by 2x AA batteries. Users can also enjoy a range of up to 656ft (200m) outdoors, and up to 196ft (60m) indoors.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G80 is a compact system camera featuring 4K technologies, improved 5-Axis Dual Image Stabilisation and a splash/dust proof design. ThePanasonic DMC-G80 (also known as the Panasonic G85) features an updated Image Stabilization system – the 5-axis Dual I.S. MK II. By incorporating new gyro-sensor technology, the O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer, 2-axis) and B.I.S. (Body Image Stabilizer, 5-axis) are able to work in perfect harmony and with outstanding accuracy. The 16.0-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor and new Venus Engine combine to allow users to shoot vibrant, true-to-life high quality images with excellent resolution, high contrast, impressive colour reproduction and max. ISO 25600 high sensitivity. To withstand the demands of heavy field use, the DMC-G80 adopts rugged design with a full die-cast magnesium front frame. It also features splash and dustproof construction thanks to the careful sealing on every joint, dial and button.
The new Profoto D2 monolight can freeze action at up to 1/63,000 of a second, shoot bursts of 20 images per second and sync with camera shutter speeds as fast as 1/8,000 of a second. The Profoto D2 brings pin sharp clarity with a flash duration of up to 1/63,000 of a second, which makes it faster than most high-end studio packs on the market. Better still, it offers super short flash duration across the full energy range. In terms of output, the D2 is available in 500Ws and 1000Ws versions. The Profoto D2 is released Sept 15, 2016. Both the 500Ws and 1000Ws versions are available in different kit configurations.
The O2 is inviting budding photographers to enter a competition for the chance to be an official photographer for an upcoming event at the venue. To get involved, simply head over to The O2 to enjoy one of the many fun and unique things to do, take a picture of your experience and share it on Instagram using #SummerOfFun and @theO2london. The deadline for entries is 22 August 2016. The prize will be a meal for four at one of the restaurants at The O2 to the value of £100 and a climb Up at The O2 for four people.
SkyPixel has launched a 360-degree Panorama Contest in conjunction with DJI. 360-degree panoramas are a relatively new feature on SkyPixel, and a separate section of the website dedicated to 360-degree imaging had been soft launched prior to the contest. Contestants may use any aerial platform to capture and submit their entries. The Grand Prize includes a DJI Phantom 4 and a Huawei P9 Plus smartphone, and the submission deadline is 20 June 2016.
The Leica X-U (Typ 113) is a new waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof compact camera, offering a 16 megapixel APS-C sensor, 1080p HD video recording, fast f/1.7 35mm lens, 5fps burst shooting and a 3-inch screen. Read our in-depth Leica X-U (Typ 113) review now...
Timelapse+ have launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the commercialisation of their auto ramping VIEW intervalometer. To allow for automatic day-to-night and night-to-day time lapse creation without any complicated setup, the VIEW individually analyses the exposure value of each image the camera takes; then feeds it through a sophisticated algorithm to deliver perfect results for sunset, sunrise, or night sky captures. This allows it to achieve what its creators call "the holy grail in time lapse photography." Additionally, the Timelapse+ VIEW provides photographers with the ability to watch a preview of the time-lapse sequence while it is still being captured, upon a gentle wave of the hand in front of the device. A smartphone app extends the experience even further, giving professionals complete control over their camera. They can preview, make settings adjustments and even download images remotely. The early-bird backer pricing is $320 for one Timelapse+ VIEW. Following the Kickstarter launch, the retail price will be $380.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX80 is a new interchangeable lens camera that combines modern design and 4K performance. The GX80 (also known as the GX85 in some regions) offers a range of innovative features, including 4K PHOTO and 5-Axis Dual I.S. (Image Stabiliser), plus a sturdy ergonomic grip. The LUMIX DMC-GX80 features a 16 megapixel sensor with no low-pass filter. The Panasonic DMC-GX80 is available in Black, Silver and Tan and will be available from May 9th 2016.
The new COOPH Rain Jacket has been designed specifically for photographers. Some of the one-of-a-kind features include a special quick-access zipper to grab the camera and an extended shapeable hood to cover the lens when shooting in stormy conditions. It also features elasticated cuffs for added protection when things turn nasty and a host of practical inner and outer pockets to store even a tablet. “The Rain Jacket allows photographers to get the shots they want, without worrying about getting wet or damaging their equipment,” Ulrich Grill, founder of COOPH and a professional photographer himself, said. “We hope photographers forget the weather and remember the moments.” The COOPH Rain Jacket is available for €398.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 is an affordable super-zoom camera featuring a 42x zoom lens with a huge focal range of 22-924mm. Other highlights of the Panasonic LZ40 include a 3 inch LCD screen, 720p HD movies and 20 megapixels. Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 review now...
Celebrating 25 years since the introduction of Canon’s first EOS Rebel SLR camera, Canon U.S.A. has introduced its new “Rebel With A Cause” campaign. For the first video from the campaign (see below), Nik Wallenda - the first and only person to walk a tightrope across Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon - encourages a group of senior citizens to check items off of their personal bucket lists. After visiting a senior centre in Florida, he sent one senior citizen into the sky and one to the racetrack to inspire them to finally make their dreams come true. The campaign, shot entirely on Canon EOS Rebel T6i DSLR cameras, is about showcasing modern-day rebels entirely through the eyes of a Canon EOS Rebel camera, encouraging people to take their creativity to the next level. Every rebel has their own unique story, and the campaign will encourage everyone to find the rebels within themselves.
SkyPixel has announced the world’s premier drone photography competition. The 2015 SkyPixel Photo Contest invites both budding and professional aerial photographers to enter a selection of their best work. The competition is split into two groups, Professional and Enthusiast, each with their own awards for the following categories: Beauty, Unique Dronies, and Drones in Use, aimed at showcasing drones in the air, in addition to an overall Grand Prize. Judging the competition is a jury comprised of esteemed photographers and drone users including Sudhir Shivaram, Manish Mamtani, Greg Girard, Matt Waite and Wang Jianjun. The winners will be announced on 7 January 2016.
DJI have announced two new Micro Four Thirds cameras for their DJI Inspire 1 professional aerial camera platform. Equipped with a 16-mgapixel Four Thjirds sensor and a Micro Four Thirds lens mount, the Zenmuse X5 wili initially support 4 interchangeable lenses, including the DJI MFT 15mm f/1.7 ASPH, Panasonic Lumix 15mm G Leica DG Summilux f/1.7 ASPH, Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 lens, and Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8. While the Zenmuse X5 is in flight, pilots can adjust both focus and aperture via the DJI GO app or through DJI's previously-announced Follow Focus system. The DJI Zenmuse X5R camera shares the same sensor and lens compatibility with the X5, but records video both to an onboard microSD card as well as to a removable 512GB SSD on the gimbal's top plate. The Zenmuse X5 is available for pre-order at store.dji.com for $4,499 (€4,999), including a DJI Inspire 1 and DJI's MFT 15mm F1.7 ASPH lens, and will begin shipping before the end of September. The Zenmuse X5R will be available in Q4 2015 for $7,999 (€8,799).
The Lumix DMC-FZ330 (also known as the FZ300) is Panasonic's latest super-zoom compact camera. Stand-out features of the weather-proof FZ330 include a 24x zoom lens with a constant aperture of f/2.8 throughout the 25-600mm range, 5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S + system, 4K movie recording, high-resolution LCD touchscreen and EVF, fast auto-focusing, 12fps burst shooting, RAW file support and a 12 megapixel MOS image sensor. Read our expert Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 review now...
The winners of the 2nd International Landscape Photographer of the Year (ILPOTY) competition have been announced. The overall winner (based on a folio submission of at least 4 images) is Luke Austin from Australia. Luke uses a Nikon D800E with the Nikkor 14-24mm f2.8, 45mm f2.8 Tilt Shift and 70-200mm f4 lenses, and an assortment of Feisol Pro and Tournament series tripods. The runner-up International Landscape Photographer of the Year is Ricardo Da Cunha from Australia..
The Astrophotography Manual: A Practical and Scientific Approach to Deep Space Imaging by Chris Woodhouse is a new title from Focal Press. Beginning with a brief astronomy primer, the book takes readers through the full astrophotography process, from equipment choice and set-up, through image acquisition, image calibration, and processing. Along the way it explains how sensor performance and light pollution relate to image quality and exposure planning. The 288-page paperback is available for $49.95 / £31.99.
The AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II is a brand new premium standard zoom lens for DX-format DSLRs. Does the AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II offer enough to justify its $1069.95 / £869.99 / €1179.00 price-tag? Read our in-depth AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens review to find out...
The inaugural Calumet Photographic Student Photographer of the Year competition has received more than a thousand entries, attracting some of Britain’s best young photographers. Now, the winning and shortlisted images are going on a UK tour, exhibiting in Calumet Photographic shops across the United Kingdom. Edinburgh College student Oliver Henderson’s winning photo will take pride of place in the exhibition. His image of a woman in a red dress under a spotlight on a rooftop, set against an industrial background (above), scooped the title and the £11,000 prize bundle of photographic equipment. His photo will be accompanied by the nine finalist entries from Maria Karpova, University of the Arts London; Sioned Evans, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David; Joe Till, Walsall College; Monty Cholmeley, Oundle School, Katarzyna Janicka-Wojtowicz, Ieva Vaitkuviene, Jolanta Ziarnik, Thomas Craner-Buckley and Jack Visser. The tour has now started at the Bristol store; the exhibition will be in place until Friday 24th July, when it will move to other Calumet stores. Click through / read on for the exact dates and locations.
Lytro have released their newest updates for the ILLUM light-field camera. Lytro ILLUM 2.0 includes a new design and user interface with full screen views and improved focus aids, full living picture playback interaction in-camera, as well as an improved auto focus that is up to three times faster. Lytro Desktop 4.3 provides faster processing and more outputs including 3D lenticular prints and stereoscopic side-by-side 3D animations, which can be used with virtual reality headsets like Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear VR.
Ahead of our full review, here are 91 JPEG and 20 Raw images taken with a final production version of the new Canon EOS 5Ds DSLR camera, running v1.01 firmware. The Canon EOS 5Ds is a 35mm full-frame digital SLR camera with a 50.6 megapixel sensor.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G7 compact system camera integrates 4K video recording capability and a variety of 4K Photo functions. The LUMIX DMC-G7 records QFHD 4K video in 3840x2160 at 25p (50Hz) or 24p in MP4 with full-time auto-focusing. The 4K Photo function allows you to extract an 8-megapixel still, and three 4K Photo functions are newly integrated into the LUMIX DMC-G7: 4K Burst Shooting, 4K Burst (Start/Stop) and 4K Pre-burst.
Other key features include a 16-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor, 8fps continuous shooting, ISO 25600, ultra-high speed AF of just 0.07 sec, Wi-Fi connectivity, high-speed dual OLED Live View Finder, and a 3-inch 1040K-dot Free-Angle touch screen display.
The LUMIX G7 will be available from mid-June in the UK.
DMC-G7HEB-K in black - £849
DMC-G7KEB-K in black - £679
DMC-G7EB-K in black - £599
DMC-G7WEB-S in silver sold at Jessops - £779
DMC-G7KEB-S in silver sold at Jessops - £679
Former Sony games developer, Andy Gill has released an innovative new photo editing tool called Pixeluvo. Using a full range of colour transform filters, Pixeluvo allows users to transform the entire look of an image. Curves and levels adjustmentss offer editors complete control while temperature, shadows, midtones and highlights can be adjusted to create the perfect balance. “With Pixeluvo there is absolutely no reason why part-time photographers should have to feel at a disadvantage to their full-time counterparts,” Andy says. “The software offers all the advanced features and functions of Photoshop, yet without the complex interface and sky-high price tag.” Pixeluvo is available for both Linux and Windows. To find out more about the benefits of the software and download a free trial, visit the website below.
The Epson International Pano Awards 2015 competition is now open for entries. Dedicated to the art of panoramic photography, the sixth Epson International Pano Awards is open to all professional and amateur photographers with a combined pool of more than$50,000, including $20,000 cash. Prizes include an Epson Stylus Pro 7900 printer, an Epson Stylus Pro 4900 printer, and an Epson EB-1775 Ultra-Slim Projector. ‘Over the years we have been delighted to see this world-class photographic competition grow to the point where it now attracts thousands of entries from hundreds of photographers from around the world Each year the photographs are more and more impressive and the outstanding quality of both image capture and print astounds me,’ said Craig Heckenberg, General Manager Business Division, Epson Australia. ‘Epson is very proud to continue our support of this global competition and, as always, we look forward to seeing this year’s entries and the winners for each category.' Do note that entry fees apply.
The Pentax K-S2 is a new, very capable entry-level DSLR camera. The weather-proof K-S2 offers 20 megapixels, a variable-angle LCD monitor, an 11-point AF system, 3-inch LCD screen, an optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage, wireless LAN and NFC functionality, and an ISO range of 100-51200, all for £550 / $700 body only. Read our in-depth Pentax K-S2 review now...
The 16-megapixel Stylus Tough TG-4 is Olympus's new flagship underwater camera offering raw image capture, GPS, WiFi and a 25-100mm equivalent f/2.0-4.9 lens. Shockproof to a height of 2.1 metres, crushproof to a weight of 100kg, freezeproof down to -10°C, dustproof and waterproof to a depth of 15m without a special underwater housing; the Olympus Tough TG-4 comes with an advanced, four-mode Variable Macro system that covers a 29-cm range – starting at 30 cm from the subject and zooming in to just 1 cm away. The four modes are Microscope, Microscope Control, Focus Bracketing and Focus Stacking. New to Microscope Mode is the slow-sync flash, which enhances contrasts and prevents potential over-exposure when you’re very close to the subject. Divers will also appreciate the new Underwater HDR feature, the built-in manometer, as well as the glove-friendly and customisable mode dial. The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-4 is available from May, priced at £349.99/$379.99.
With sales of consumer orientated camera drones on the up, and the technology getting ever more affordable, Chinese manufacturer DJI has announced what it is terming the possible “future of aerial imaging and video”. It has launched not one but two updates to its Phantom series. These are the Phantom 3 ‘Professional’ – a 4K shooting unmanned aerial vehicle with gold detailing and a suggested retail price of £1,159 – plus a second model in the Phantom 3 Advanced. The latter records 1080P video, costs a more affordable £899 SRP, and is outwardly distinguishable via its silver detailing. Gavin Stoker attended the London launch and was able to get hands-on with the devices.
The winners of the Syngenta Photography Award 2015 were announced this evening at an awards ceremony at Somerset House, London. German photographer Benedikt Partenheimer was announced as the winner of the Open Competition, and Berlin-based American photographer Mustafah Abdulaziz was selected as the winner of the Professional Commission category. Partenheimer received US$5,000 for his winning image in the Open Competition. Shijiazhuang, AQI 360 is a panoramic shot of the barely visible Shijiazhuang skyline disappearing in its own air pollution. Taken from the series ‘Particulate Matter’, the acronym AQI used in the title of the photographs stands for "Air Quality Index" and indicates the degree of air pollution – in this case 360, which is a ‘hazardous’ level. Mustafah Abdulaziz was selected by an international jury chaired by photography writer and curator, William A. Ewing for his ongoing Water series – a photographic exploration of a natural resource in crisis. Shot in India, Pakistan, Ethiopia and Sierra Leone, the project has received support from United Nations, WaterAid, and VSCO, amongst others. In addition to the US$15,000 cash prize, Abdulaziz will receive a grant worth US$25,000 to complete a new commission in which he will extend his study on the depletion and misuse of water in his home state of California.
Issue 38 of David Noton's Chasing the Light online magazine is now available.In the Behind the Lens feature and Video Blog, David relates his adventures in the Republic of South Africa.In this month's Field Trial, Davidputs the Canon EOS 5DS and its whopping 50MP through its paces, laying out his own conclusions on its remarkable capabilities. And for Part Four of hisLow Down series on Exposure, David explores the vagaries of contrast and the tricky balancing act required to tame it.In Hoddinott’s Hangout, Ross Hoddinott takes us on a road trip all the way from his base in Cornwall, England north to the Isle of Skye in Scotland, whilefor this month’s Guest Feature world-class motorsport photographer Frits van Eldik talks about his career to date. Do note that the full contents of the magazine is available to full f11 subscribers only. Non-members can purchase individual issues of the magazine at a price of £4.20.
Nikon has announced a brand-new high-resolution dSLR camera optimised for astrophotography and other scientific applications. The Nikon D810A shares its architecture with the D810, and includes other new features designed uniquely to help capture the cosmos. The infrared (IR) cut filter has been modified to allow transmission of the hydrogen alpha spectral line, resulting in four times greater sensitivity of the 656nm wavelength. A new Long Exposure Manual Mode is implemented, giving users the ability to set shutter speeds from 4, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, 600 or 900 seconds (15 minutes), as well as Bulb and Time settings. The ISO range has been optimised from 200 to 12,800 (Hi-2 51,200), for maximum sensitivity with an optimal signal-to-noise ratio. The Nikon D810A will be available in late May 2015 and pricing will be announced at a later date.
The Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art is a new premium wide-angle lens that offers the highest optical performance in its class. Available for Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts, the Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art joins the existing 35mm and 50mm Art lenses. Pricing and availability of the Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art are yet to be announced.
Update: the Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art will retail for $849 in the US.
The Canon EOS M3 is a powerful Compact System Camera created for enthusiast photographers who demand premium performance. At the heart of the EOS M3 is Canon’s first 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and its most advanced image processor, DIGIC 6, delivering premium quality stills and Full HD Movies. Combined with super-fast AF performance, thanks to a new Hybrid CMOS AF III and 49-point AF System, this camera gives you the freedom to capture the beauty of movement.
The Canon EOS M3 will be available from April 2015 with a RSP of £599.99 / €769.99.
The Pentax K-S1 is a new entry-level DSLR camera that is available in 12 different colour variations. The 20 megapixel K-S1 offers 5.4fps continuous shooting, an 11-point AF system, 3-inch LCD screen, an optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage and an ISO range of 100-51200. Read our in-depth Pentax K-S1 review...
The Lytro Illum is a new light field camera aimed at professional photographers. Boldly billed as "a new medium capable of capturing visual experiences in their purest form", is it worth adding the Lytro Illum to your kitbag? Read our Lytro Illum review to find out...
Adorama today announced the availability of the brand new Aries Blackbird X10, a professional, remotely controlled aerial quadcopter that captures photos and movies from up to 1,500 feet. With its on-board camera, the Blackbird X10 is capable of recording up to 1080P/30fps Full HD video as well as 16-megapixel still images. The drone features integrated flight and camera control, 6-axis gyro stability, GPS accuracy, advanced intelligent flight control systems, a weather-protected build, and a wide, stable landing base. Perfect for advanced hobbyist or professional photographers and cinematographers, the Aries Blackbird X10 features simple and flexible operating controls and a flight time of up to 25 minutes per charge. The Aries Blackbird X10 is available now for $799, exclusively from Adorama.
Photographer Andrew Whyte used the Sony A7S to capture a series of stunning images at some of the 92 Dark Sky Sites and parks across the United Kingdom. Andrew, who specialises in long-exposure photography, used the Sony A7S on a series of overnight shoots in Northumberland National Park and the Brecon Beacons (one of only five areas in the world granted International Dark Sky Reserve status). “As a long-exposure photographer, I’m always searching for equipment which renders great detail while allowing me the largest range of creative potential. I’ve been truly blown away by the image quality I can capture in low light using the Sony A7S," Whyte says. "The shots are incredibly low noise, and the camera’s sensitivity opens up so many possibilities for the photographer.”
The Olympus E-PL7 is a new compact system camera aimed at the discerning fashionista. Also known as the PEN Lite, the EPL7 boasts a 3 inch 180-degree tilting LCD display, full 1080p HD movies, and an extensive range of creative filters. Read our in-depth Olympus E-PL7 review to find out if it offers both substance and style...
British photographer Martin Parr is unveiling a unique collection of images depicting the eating habits of Britain in collaboration with leading food brand Birds Eye. Parr was commissioned by Birds Eye to produce a unique snapshot of what makes up the typical, modern mealtime in Britain. The exhibition entitled 'A Birds Eye View' features 30 brand new photographs depicting mealtimes in regions including Kent, Cornwall, Norfolk, Yorkshire, Merseyside, London and Birmingham. The exhibition will open for one day only on Wednesday 1st October at the Pics Gallery, 18 Newman Street, London, W1T 1PE.
Leica have unveiled their show activities for Photokina 2014. In addition to the unique exhibition concept in the Leica Galerie, the programme features further cultural highlights. For example, the world premiere of the new book The Haight: Love, Rock and Revolution from legendary photographer Jim Marshall (1936-2010). Talks and signing sessions with prominent photographers are also planned.
Impossible has launched three new instant films. "Continuing its approach of ‘innovating’ the classic square white frame associated with Polaroid instant photography, Impossible has created these films especially for Summer adding their own darker twist; deadly snakes can be seen twisted around stems and moving through the tropical fauna," the company says. The Poison Paradise Special Edition Color for Polaroid 600 cameras includes Hibiscus – the darkest frame, using a black background to set off the oranges and reds of the flowers, Fuchsia – the warmest frame, using the purples and creams of the blooms to uplift the orange background, and finally Frangipani, the brightest frame, using a sky blue base to bring the South American flowers to life. These are the first Impossible instant films to have am ‘expiry date’ use by date printed on them, enabling users to know exactly how long they have with the film. Impossible Poison Paradise can be used in any Polaroid 600 type camera and the Impossible Instant Lab.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ1000 is the world’s first bridge camera to feature 4K video recording. The FZ1000 also offers a 20.1 megapixel 1-inch MOS sensor, 16x optical zoom lens which has an F2.8-4.0 aperture range, 0.09 second auto-focusing speed, a 2,359k OLED Live View Finder (LVF) and a 3-inch 921-K dot LCD display. The Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 will be available in July at a suggested UK retail price of £749.99.
Samsung invites consumers to #DITCHtheDSLR at Ditch Day on New York’s Times Square today from 12pm – 6pm ET. Attendees have the opportunity to trade-in a DSLR in exchange for a new Samsung NX30 (pictured). The event features several unique shooting stations where consumers have the opportunity to experience the full line of mirrorless and SMART cameras in a variety of scenarios. Additionally, a group of Samsung #Imageloggers are on hand discussing their experiences since ditching the DSLR in favour of Samsung’s NX cameras and offering up tips for how to capture great images. The Samsung Ditch Day event is taking place on Times Square, between 42nd and 43rd streets, in front of the NASDAQ marquee.
The Nokia Lumia 1520 is a new 20-megapixel smartphone with a massive 6-inch screen, a 26mm fixed lens with fast f/2.4 aperture and built-in optical image stabilisation, and 1080p video recording at 30fps with stereo sound. Read our Nokia Lumia 1520 review now...
AnthonyEpes.com have announced a special offer for PhotographyBLOG readers: purchase a place on one of their Venice at Dawn or Paris at Dawn workshops and receive a complimentary place on their two-day London at Dawn workshop. The Venice from Dawn to Dusk event will take place from 15th - 18th May, and their Paris from Dawn to Dusk workshop is scheduled for 19th - 22nd June. "Photographing cities at dawn is a photographer's paradise," Anthony Epes says. "We will photograph the iconic views of each city as well as discovering hidden spots and interesting characters.” For more information and to book your place, email Diana Bird at AnthonyEpes.com.
The Annenberg Space for Photography has announced its next exhibition, Country: Portraits of an American Sound. This exhibit presents images of the pioneers, poets and icons of country music, and will be offered free to the public 31 May through 28 September 2014. Country: Portraits of an American Sound uses historical and contemporary photographs to explore how images shape the public identity of country music performers and of the genre itself. The photographers include the late amateur photographer Elmer Williams; the late studio photographer Walden S. Fabry; veteran Grand Ole Opry staff photographer Les Leverett; the late Los Angeles-based photographerLeigh Wiener; Boston-based documentary photographer Henry Horenstein; iconic entertainment photographers Henry Diltz, Raeanne Rubenstein and Ethan Russell; and contemporary photographers David McClister and Michael Wilson. The Annenberg Space for Photography is located in Century Park at 2000 Avenue of the Stars in Century City, Los Angeles, California.
Canon today unveiled the PowerShot G1 X Mark II Enhanced Grip Edition. Successor to the PowerShot G1 X, the Canon Powershot G1 X Mark II promises "DSLR-like image quality and handling within the compact form and function of the highly successful PowerShot G-series." Featuring a completely re-mastered design, with a stainless steel chassis and all aluminium metal exterior, the camera has a sizeable ergonomic grip and a large CMOS imager. The new sensor configuration means that it can adapt and use the full width of the lens image circle, whether capturing images in its default 3:2 aspect ratio at 12.8MP or 4:3 ratio at 13.1MP. The camera comes equipped with a 12.5-62.5mm (24-120mm eq.) f/2.0-3.9 lens and features a focus peaking function, perfect for manual focus enthusiasts. The improved AiAF System now includes thirty-one AF points compared to the PowerShot G1X’s nine. The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II Enhanced Grip Edition will be available from May 2014 with an SRP of £799.00/€949.00/$799.99.
Husband and wife team Anthony Epes and Diana Bird have announced a number of new workshops in their Cities at Dawn series. "The workshops focus on dawn and early morning photography - with our Paris and Venice workshops incorporating afternoon and evening photography walks also," the duo says. "Photographing cities at dawn is a photographers paradise. The light is incredible and the city is virtually empty." Click through / scroll down for the details.
The FinePix F900EXR is the range-topping camera from Fujifilm, sporting a 20x lens with a versatile focal range of 25-500mm. The 16 megapixel F900 EXR also features fast phase-detection autofocusing, wireless image transfer, GPS support, full 1080p movies, a high-contrast 3 inch LCD screen and 8fps continuous shooting. Read our in-depth Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR review now...
The Nikon D3300 is a new 24.2-megapixel digital SLR camera with 5fps continuous shooting, a 921k-dot rear screen, no anti-aliasing filter and a small, retractable kit lens. Other highlights include a native sensitivity range of ISO 100/21° - ISO 12,800/42° (expandable to ISO 25,600/45° equivalent), 11-point AF system, Full HD movie recording, 13 special effects, EXPEED 4 image processing unit, 420-pixel RGB metering sensor, and compatibility with Nikon’s separately sold ME-1 Stereo Microphone and Wu-1a Mobile Adapter. The camera is sold in a kit with the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR II retractable zoom, which is much more compact to carry than its predecessor that was shipped with earlier entry-level Nikon dSLRs. The Nikon D3300 will be available from February, priced at around £599.99 / €719.00 / $649.95 for the single-lens kit and £499.99 / €599.99 for the body only.
Celebrity Cruises have announced the winner of their Smartsnaps photo contest. The winner of the best travel photo taken on a smartphone has been awarded to Zoe King, for her photo taken in Colombo (Sri Lanka), at the Gangaramaya Viharaya Temple (above). Winner Zoe now holds the title of Celebrity Cruises ‘Photo Ambassador for 2014’ and will embark on a 14-night Scandinavia & Russia cruise in May 2014.
Discover the World is introducing a number of Northern Lights, Snow and Ice Photography lectures with award-winning photographer Ragnar Sigurddson for a number of departures to the Ice Hotel and Abisko in Swedish Lapland this winter. With two locations used over the short break guests will double their chances of catching the spectacle on camera as well as receiving advice on how best to capture snow and ice during daylight and evening. These special lectures will run during the 3-night breaks departing on the 20th December and 25th January 2014 which are priced from £1,278pp, including direct flights from Heathrow to Kiruna, accommodation and transfers. For more information visit the website below.
Nikon today unveiled the Nikon Df, a digital SLR camera that boasts looks inspired by the company's iconic 35mm film cameras. At the heart of the Df is the same 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor found in Nikon’s professional flagship camera, the D4. Other highlights include elegant mechanical dials, a 39-point AF system, a sensitvity range of ISO 100/21° to ISO 12,800/42° - extendable up to ISO 204,800/54° -, compatibility with non-Ai (pre-Ai) lenses, continuous shooting at up to 5.5 frames per second, a self-cleaning sensor unit and a shutter tested to 150,000 actuations. Featuring a pentaprism finder with 0.7x magnification and 100% coverage, the Nikon Df will go on sale at the end of this month at a recommended retail price of £2749.99 / $2,999.95 / €3350.00 including an AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G lens.
Collins, in partnership with the Royal Observatory Greenwich, has published Astronomy Photographer of the Year, Collection 2. As the official publication for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition 2013, this hardback photography book features all the winning and shortlisted images from the 2013 Astronomy Photographer of the Year, a guide to the competition, as well as the winning photographs from the first four years. The book is available for £25.
The Nokia Lumia 1020 is a new 41-megapixel smartphone - yes, you read that right, 41 megapixels. The Lumia 1020 also offers built-in optical image stabilisation, a 3x loss-less zoom for stills and 6x for movies, a 26mm fixed lens with fast f/2.2 aperture, and 1080p video at 30fps with stereo sound. Read our Nokia Lumia 1020 review to find out if it can replace a compact camera.
The Panasonic GM1 is a tiny Micro Four Thirds camera with a 16-megapixel sensor, 1036K-dot touchscreen and Wi-Fi connectivity. Other highlights include a completely silent electronic shutter with a maximum shutter speed of 1/16000s, focus peaking, pop-up flash and Full HD video recording capabilities. The Panasonic Lumix GM1 comes bundled with the new Lumix G VARIO12-32mm (24-64mm equivalent) f/3.5-5.6 Asph. MEG O.I.S. pancake zoom lens. The kit will be available from December, priced at around £629 / $750. The lens will also be sold separately for $350. An auxiliary grip for the Panasonic GM1 will be available for £89 / $100.
The Nikon D610 is a new 35mm full-frame digital SLR camera with a 24-megapixel FX sensor and a new Quiet Release Burst mode. In regular continuous shooting mode, the Nikon D610 can capture up to six frames per second (up from 5.5fps in the Nikon D600), while in the new Quiet Release Burst mode - which reduces the sound of the camera’s mirror return mechanism - the maximum shooting speed is 3fps. In virtually all other respects, the Nikon D610 is essentially the exact "replica" of the D600, with headline features such as a 24.3-megapixel full-frame sensor, sensitivity range of ISO 100-6400 (extendable up to 25,600), lockable mode dial, pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification, a (mostly) magnesium alloy body shell, a 39-point auto focus module, in-camera HDR exposure blending and Full HD video recording capabilities. The Nikon D610 will go on sale later this month, priced at £1799.99 / €2199.00 / $1999.95 for the body only. A kit consisting of the camera and the AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR FX lens will be available for £2299.99 / €2799.00 / $2599.95.
The winners of the Epson International Pano Awards 2013 competition have been announced. The overall winner of the Open Competition was Timo Lieber from the UK with a compelling black-and-white photograph of Dumont Dunes in the Mojave Desert, USA (above). The winner of the Amateur competition was Gary Schlatter of Australia, with a monochromatic image of a famous cluster of Cypress trees near San Quirico d'Orcia, Tuscany. The VR/360° competition winner was Dmitry Moiseenko with a spectacular aerial image of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Samsung DV150F compact camera features a 2.7-inch LCD on the front, useful for composing self-portraits, and a wide range of wi-fi connectivity options. The 16 megapixel Samsung DV150F also features a 25mm wide-angle 5x zoom lens, 720p HD video, and a multitude of special effects modes, all for just £99.99 / $149.99. Read our in-depth Samsung DV150F review now...
The Fujifilm X-A1 is an entry-level compact system camera with a 16-megapixel APS-C imager. Key features include a start-up time of 0.5 seconds, a shutter lag of 50 milliseconds, a continuous shooting speed of 5.6fps for a maximum of 30 frames, a control layout facilitating one-handed operation, dual command dials, a tiltable screen with a resolution of 920,000 dots, a built-in flash with a guide number of 7 (in metres at iSO 200/24°), Full HD video recording capabilities, Wi-Fi image transfer and a hotshoe for external flash units. The Fujifilm X-A1 will be available from October in a variety of colours, bundled with the XC16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS zoom lens, at a kit price of £529.99/$599.95. You can also buy the lens separately for £399.99. The Fujinon XC50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS telephoto lens will also be available from October, priced at £429.99/$399.95.
Canon today announced two new premium compact cameras. The Canon PowerShot G16 (£529.99/€649.99/$549.99, pictured) is an updated, Wi-Fi enabled version of the company's existing G15 model, while the PowerShot S120 (£449.99/€529.99/$449.99) improves on its predecessor - the PowerShot S110 - by incorporating a slightly faster (f/1.8-5.7) lens and enhanced wireless connectivity options.
The Nikon Coolpix S6500 is a point-and-shoot travel-zoom camera, featuring a 12x, 25-300mm lens and a 16 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor. The S6500 also offers a 3 inch screen, 1080p Full HD movies, built-in wi-fi and 10fps burst shooting. Read our in-depth Nikon Coolpix S6500 review now...
The Casio EX-ZR800 is a new, raw-capable 16-megapixel compact camera with 18x optical zoom and a five-axis image stabilisation system. Like its predecessor the EX-ZR700, the new Exilim EX-ZR800 boasts a 25-450mm equivalent lens fitted elegantly into a compact body. The new camera also features other enhanced shooting functions. This is the first Exilim model to have a Time Lapse function and a “sparkling shot” filter effect. In addition, Casio has accelerated the frame rate in the auto focus mode and optimised the camera’s lens drive control, image sensor control and AF algorithm for parallel processing of AF operations and high-speed continuous shooting. The Casio Exilim EX-ZR800 will be available from the end of September, priced at €399.
We spend a day shooting aeroplanes with Andy Rouse to test the flagship Canon EOS 1D X DSLR camera.
Here are 55 sample JPEG photos taken with the new Panasonic Lumix GX7 compact system camera. These photos were taken on a Panasonic GX7 running pre-production firmware at a press event held at Longleat Safari Park, United Kingdom. We've included the full ISO range from 200-25,600.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 is a new freeze, shock, water and dust proof camera. The well-appointed Panasonic FT5 also features built-in GPS, wi-fi and NFC functionality, a compass, altimeter and barometer, 4.6x zoom, 1920x1080 full-HD movie recording and a 16 megapixel sensor. Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 review to find out if this is the best do-it-all camera for your family....
The Fujifilm X-M1 is a new compact and lightweight compact system camera. Featuring the same 16.3 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor as the flagship X-Pro1, the X-M1 weighs just 330 grams and is about half the size of a regular SLR body. It also offers a 920,000 dot tiltable 3-inch LCD, 5.6fps burst shooting, wireless image transfer, full HD (1920x1080) video recording at 30 frames per second, a built-in flash and hot shoe, ISO200-6400 and a 49 point AF system.
Fujfilm are also announcing the Fujinon XC 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS lens, which will ship as a kit lens with the X-M1. Offering a focal range of 24mm-76mm in 35mm terms, the XC16-50mm lens consists of 12 all-glass elements in 10 groups including 3 aspherical elements and 1 ED element. It will be available in black and silver.
The X-M1 is available in three colours - Black, Silver and Brown In the UK, the X-M1 and XC16-50mm lens kit will be on sale from end July 2013 for £679.99.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 is a brand new premium compact camera with a unique twist - it has an electronic viewfinder. The Panasonic LF1 also offers a 12 megapixel sensor, 7x zoom lens with fast f/2 aperture, 10fps burst shooting and RAW support. Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 review with sample JPEG, RAW and video files now...
Ahead of our full review, here are 59 sample JPEG photos and a Full HD movie taken with the brand new Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 compact camera. The Panasonic Lumix LF1 is a premium 12 megapixel compact camera with a built-in viewfinder, 28-200mm f/2.0-5.9 lens, multi-functional Control Ring, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, 10fps burst shooting, RAW format support and ISO range of 80-12,800.
Get to know Wim Vorster, a South African wildlife photographer who is passionate about conserving wildlife and sharing this message with the rest of the world through his photography. Discover how he was attracted to photography and learn about some of the challenges that he has had to face.
Ahead of our full review, here are 21 sample JPEG photos taken with the Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens, mounted on an E-PL5 body. The Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 60mm f/2.8 Macro is a fast macro lens for the Micro Four thirds system, retailing for £449.99 / $499.99.
The Nokia Lumia 920 is the first ever smartphone to feature built-in optical image stabilisation. The Lumia 920 also has an 8.7 megapixel sensor, 26mm fixed lens with fast f/2.0 aperture and 1080p video. Read our Nokia Lumia 920 review to find out if it can replace a compact camera, even in low-light...
The Samsung NX300 is a new mid-range compact system camera featuring a 20.3 megapixel APS-C sensor, hybrid AF system, 3.3-inch tilting AMOLED touchscreen, 8.6fps continuous shooting, Wi-fi and NFC connectivity, full 1080p video, and an ISO range 100-25,600. Read our in-depth Samsung NX300 review now...
We had the oppotunity to try out the new Sony HX50 camera on the 38th floor of the iconic Gherkin building in central London. The HX50 is billed as "the world's smallest compact camera with a 30x optical zoom lens". Here are 42 sample JPEG photos taken with a pre-production version of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50 compact camera, including the full ISO range from 80-12,800. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50 is a premium compact camera with a 20.4 megapixel Exmor R sensor, 30x zoom lens (24-720mm), multi-interface accessory hotshoe, manual exposure modes, built-in wi-fi and Full 50p HD movie recording.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TF1 is an affordable compact camera that's freeze, shock, water and dust proof. The Sony TF1 has 16.1 megapixels, a 2.7 inch LCD screen, a 4x zoom lens and 720p HD movies. Read our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TF1 review to find out if it's the ideal family camera.
William Eggleston has been announced as the recipient of the 2013 Sony World Photography Awards’ Outstanding Contribution to Photography award. Eggleston will receive the award on Thursday 25th April at the 2013 Sony World Photography Awards Gala Ceremony. A special display of his work will be shown at Somerset House as part of the 2013 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition and rarely seen images will be published in the 2013 edition of the Sony World Photography Awards winners’ book. The book costs £29.95 and can be purchased fromthe website below.
The Leica X2 is a pocket camera for professionals, offering a 16 megapixel APS-C sensor, fast f/2.8, 36mm lens, improved autofocusing and the usual superlative Leica handling and build quality. Is that enough to justify the Leica X2's £1575 / $1995 price tag? Read our in-depth Leica X2 review to find out...
Canon has unveiled the Canon EOS 100D (sold as the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 in North America), which is billed as “the smallest and lightest APS-C DSLR ever made.” Measuring just 116.8 x 90.7 x 69.4mm and weighing only 407g, the EOS 100D features a 3” ClearView II capacitive touchscreen, an 18-megapixel Hybrid CMOS AF II sensor and DIGIC 5 processor. The new sensor uses phase detection pixels spread across 80% of the sensor’s imaging surface to provide increased AF speed and tracking performance when the camera is in live view or when capturing Full-HD movies. The Canon EOS 100D is available from late April, with an SRP of £579.99 / €739.99 / $649.99.
The Canon EOS 700D (marketed as the Canon EOS Rebel T5i in North America) is a new digital SLR camera with an APS-C sized 18-megapixel Hybrid CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5 processor and a 5fps continuous shooting mode. The EOS 700D’s advanced AF module consists of 9 cross-type sensors spread across the frame, and a new, simplified 360° rotating mode dial to provide easy and swift access to the camera’s various shooting modes. A 3” vari-angle Clear View LCD II touchscreen makes it easy for users to frame, shoot and review from a variety of angles. When shooting in Live View mode, the Hybrid CMOS AF system enables speedy and accurate autofocus for photos and video, the company claims. The Canon EOS 700D is available from late April, with an SRP of £629.99 / €799.99 / $749.99.
BeFunky has unveiled an upgraded, interactive online photo gallery. The new Channels feature takes into consideration the kinds of photos people love looking at, and not only helps them find those pictures, but gives them the tools to see the content in a variety of ways. Filtering options are incorporated throughout the gallery, giving people an “unparalleled” amount of control, the company says. BeFunky has also created a sophisticated algorithm that takes into account numerous factors to help photos get noticed.The latest version offers a new screen for saving and sharing photos across multiple social networks at once. Finally, BeFunky has added new features that let users customise their user profiles.
The World Photography Organisation (WPO) has announced the winners of the Open, Youth and 3D categories in the 2013 Sony World Photography Awards. Judged on a single image taken by an amateur photographer, the winning Open category photographers were selected from nearly 55,000 entries. The winners include Martina Biccheri, Gilbert Yu, Hoang Hiep Nguyen, Elmar Akhmetov, Krasimir Matarov, Yeow Kwang Yeo, Hisatomi Tadahiko, Mac Kwan, Matías Gálvez and Manny Fajutag. Open to photographers aged 19 and under, the Youth competition looks to uncover the next-generation of photography talent. The category winners include Alecsandra Dragoi, Xu Wei Shou and Berta Vicente. The winner of the 3D category is Matjaž Tan?i?.
The finalists for the 3D category of the 2013 Sony World Photography Awards have been announced. Selected by judges from the World Photography Organisation (WPO), the three finalists are Michele Abramo Puricelli, Matjaž Tan?i? and Nick Saglimbeni.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT4 is a freeze, shock, water and dust proof camera. The Panasonic FT4 also features a built-in GPS function, compass, altimeter and barometer. Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT4 review to find out if this is the toughest camera around...
British photographer Craig Easton has been announced as the overall winner of the Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) 2012 competition. Craig beat entrants from over 90 countries to win the world’s leading travel photography competition with four evocative, moody images of the ‘dreich’ - an old Scottish word to describe wet, miserable, dank weather - and an elegant series of four striking silhouettes of people in Paris. The New Talent award went to Alessandra Meniconzi (Switzerland), while 15-year-old Samuel Fisch (USA) has been named Young Travel Photographer of the Year.
The Sigma SD1 Merrill is the flagship DSLR camera from a company better known for their camera lenses. Sigma have taken a very different path with the SD1 Merrill, which uses a Foveon X3 sensor with no less than 46 megapixels. Read our Sigma SD1 Merrill review to find out if it can compete with Canon, Nikon and Sony...
The Nikon Coolpix S01 is a tiny point-and-shoot compact camera that's actually smaller than a credit card. Featuring a 3x zoom lens, 10 megapixels, 2.5 inch touch-screen LCD and 720p HD movies, is the Nikon S01 too small for its own good? Read our in-depth Nikon Coolpix S01 review to find out...
Photography education and entertainment site PhoozL has announced its latest “super-judged” photo contest: ‘The Portrait’. ‘The Portrait’. The judge is world-renowned commercial and fine-art photographer Albert Watson, who will pick the top three winners and Honourable Mentions. Now open for submissions, the contest runs until 16 December 2012. Entry is free and open to all logged-in members of Phoozl.com. For more details and to enter your work, head to the website below.
The Lumix DMC-FZ200 is Panasonic's premium super-zoom compact camera. Stand-out features of the FZ200 include a 24x zoom lens with a constant aperture of f/2.8 throughout the 25-600mm range, 1080p HD movies, a high-resolution LCD and EVF, fast auto-focusing, 12fps burst shooting and a 12 megapixel MOS image sensor. Read our expert Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 review now...
Manfrotto has announced US pricing for its KLYP iPhone accessory. The KLYP case has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $29.99, the KLYP case with compact ML120 LED light retails for $69.99, the case+ML120+Pocket-tripod combination sells for $89.99, the KLYP case with the larger ML240 LED light costs $99.99, and the kit comprising the KLYP case, the ML240 and the Manfrotto Pocket-tripod is priced at $199.99.
Getty Images has announced that its Flickr Collection has grown to 500,000 images. The half millionth photograph had been submitted by Jiangang Wang, a system engineer and photo hobbyist from Tianjin, China. The image, “Minato Mirai night view,” was captured from the vantage point of Osan-bashi in Yokohama, Japan, where Wang now lives, and shows the city skyline just after sunset.
Ahead of our full review, here are 39 sample JPEG photos, 9 Raw images and a 1080p movie taken with a full production version of the new Nikon D600 DSLR camera. UPDATE: We've added 14 more JPEG images taken with the Nikkor AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens. The Nikon D600 is a 24.3 megapixel full-frame DSLR with an ISO range of 50-25600, full HD (1080p) movies, a 3.2-inch 921k-dot LCD monitor and 5.5fps continuous shooting.
The Nikon D600 is a new full-frame digital SLR camera featuring a 24.3-megapixel FX format sensor, newly developed Multi-CAM4800 39-point AF system, 14-bit analogue-to-digital conversion.and a glass prism optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage. Compatible with lenses up to f/8 combined open aperture and sensitive down to -1 EV, the new AF system enables users to take well-focussed shots even in challenging light conditions. Weighing in at 760 grams without a battery, the Nikon D600 also boasts the title of the smallest FX format DSLR camera Nikon has ever crafted. Other highlights include a shutter unit designed for 150,000 actuations, an ISO range of 100–6400, extendable up to 25,600 and down to 50; dual SD card slots with SDXC and UHS-I support; a dual-axis virtual horizon; in camera HDR exposure blending; and a Multi-area D-Movie mode offering Full HD video capture at a variety of frame rates and the ability to output an uncompressed live video stream at 1080p to external recorders.
The Nikon D600 body will be available from 18 September 2012 for £1955.99 / €2385.99 / $2,099.95. It will also be sold in a kit with the 24-85mm lens for £2443.99 / €2981.99 / $2,699.95.
The optional WU-1b Mobile Adapter is a wireless mobile adapter that allows images to be transferred directly to any smartphone or tablet, and enables the camera to be controlled remotely via the smart device. This will be available on September 18 for £64.99 / €79.00 / $59.95.
The Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* 2/135 is a new manual-focus telephoto lens for Canon and Nikon SLR cameras. Based around Carl Zeiss’s proven “floating elements” design, the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* 2/135 has a focal length of 135mm, maximum aperture of f/2, close-focus point of 80cm and a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:4. As with all other SLR lenses in the ZE and ZF.2 series, the Carl Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating as well as the sophisticated treatment of the elements’ edges with a deep-black special lacquer make the Apo Sonnar T* 2/135 resistant to reflections and stray light. When moving from the lens’ close-focus point to infinity, the focus ring turns by 268°, which enables ultra-precise focusing. The Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* 2/135 will begin shipping in December 2012 at a recommended retail price of approximately €1.600+VAT or $2.000.
onOne Software has announced Perfect B&W, a brand new product that is claimed to offer photographers the easiest way to convert their images into black and white. “The ability to master black and white photography with a camera and darkroom techniques has been a long respected art form that has required much knowledge and practice to achieve,” said Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software. “We wanted to develop a black and white image creation product that would deliver amazing, professional caliber results in a simple to use application. Perfect B&W offers presets designed by industry experts for one-click results, along with manual controls that replicate time-honored processing techniques and offer photographers the ability create their own looks quickly and easily.” The new Perfect B&W is now available for pre-order as part of the Perfect Photo Suite 7 for $299.95, which will ship in late October. It will be available later this Fall as an individual plug-in and standalone product for $99.95.
Sony have officially announced their HD sports video camera, the Action Cam HDR-AS10. Weighing in at approximately three ounces (with battery), the new Action Cam will ship with a rechargeable battery, adhesive mounts, and a ruggedised waterproof case featuring a universal tripod mount built to handle extreme environments. Within the case, the camera is waterproof down to 197 feet and has a shock resistance rating for up to five foot drops plus dirt and dust resistant seals that help make it impervious to mud, snow, rain, and grime. Sony will add a Wi-Fi® enabled version of the HD video action camcorder (HDR-AS15, pictured) to its new lineup as well. The HDR-AS10 and the HDR-AS15 will be available in September for about $199.99 and $269.99 respectively. In Europe, the HDR-AS-15 will hit the shelves in mid-October.
The Samsung ST200F is an affordable travel-zoom camera with a 10x zoom, 16 megapixels, 3 inch screen and built-in wi-fi. Read our in-depth Samsung ST200F review to find out if it's worth the modest outlay...
We directly compare the Olympus OM-D E-M5 compact system camera and the Nikon D7000 DSLR in our first ever head to head review.
Faking It: Manipulated Photography Before Photoshop is the first major exhibition devoted to the history of manipulated photography before the digital age. Featuring some 200 visually captivating photographs created between the 1840s and 1990s, the exhibition takes place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York from October 11, 2012 - January 27, 2013.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 is the latest premium compact camera hoping to find a place in a professional photographer's pocket. With the fastest lens of any compact to date, the LX7 also offers an improved 10 megapixel sensor, full 1080p HD movies and an even better control system than the previous LX5 model. Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 review with sample JPEG, RAW and video files now.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT20 is a new all-action digital camera. The Panasonic FT20 (also known as the TS20) offers freeze, shock, water and dust proof capabilities, plus 16 megapixel photos and 720p video. Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT20 review to find out if this is the right tough camera for you.
The Nikon Coolpix L610 is a new AA battery powered, 16-megapixel travelzoom camera with 14x optical zoom and Full HD video recording capabilities. Featuring a back-illuminated CMOS sensor, 25-350mm equivalent lens with two ED glass elements and Vibration Reduction, the Nikon Coolpix L610 comes with a dedicated movie record button, mini HDMI port and a 3-inch rear screen boasting a resolution of 460,000 dots. Priced at $249.95/£199.99/€249.00, the Nikon Coolpix L610 will be available in red, black and silver beginning September 2012.
For their end-of-year project, graphic design and photography students Luke Evans and Josh Lake swallowed pieces of 35mm film for ‘development’ in their stomachs and intestines. The two first year students were responding to a brief they had been set by their lecturers at Kingston University. “The title was ‘Outdoor’. What we decided to do was take things that are normally hidden inside our bodies and display them outside,” Luke explained. “The film was not exposed to light during the experiment, but it has created images nonetheless,” Exposed only to internal fluids, the celluloid revealed its journey with a series of marks, scratches and bumps that, under an electron microscope, created a number of dramatic shapes. “A lot of people think that because no light was used it’s not photography. Technically that’s true, but we feel it doesn’t make it any less intriguing and doesn’t devalue the work at all,” Josh said.
Samsung today announced that it is now shipping the Wi-Fi enabled NX1000 compact system camera to retailers across the USA. The entry-level Samsung NX1000 is a highly portable 20-megapixel camera weighing in at just over 350g with a lens, battery and memory card fitted. In the US, the camera is available in black, white and pink, priced at $699.99 including a 20-50mm lens and external flash.
Read our in-depth review of the Samsung NX1000 compact system camera
The Samsung NX200 is a new mirrorless compact system camera that aims for the middle ground between the more DSLR-like NX20 and consumer-oriented NX1000 models. Featuring a 20 megapixel APS-C sensor, full 1080p video, ISO 100-12,800, a 3-inch AMOLED screen, 8fps continuous shooting and new Wi-fi connectivity, read our in-depth Samsung NX200 review to discover if this is the right camera for you.
The Samsung EX2F is a high end compact camera with with a bright F/1.4 lens, the brightest in any compact. The EX2F also features a 1/1.7” 12 Megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, 3.0” Swivel AMOLED display, 1080/30p Full HD movies, Wi-Fi functionality, and full manual control. The Samsung EX2F will cost £429 / $549 and be available in early August.
One of the UK's leading landscape and travel photographers, David Noton, explores the difference between taking and making a photograph.
The Canon EOS 650D / T4i is an 18-megapixel digital SLR camera offering simple touch-screen operation. In addition, the EOS 650D is the first-ever Canon EOS model to feature a dual AF system, which ensures sharp stills as well as continuous autofocus tracking when shooting movies - subject to use with Canon stepping motor (STM) lenses. Thanks to its Canon DIGIC 5 processor, it provides 14-bit image processing for subtle transitions between colour tones in stills. Featuring capacitive technology, the new 3” Vari-angle Clear View LCD II Touch screen supports a variety of multi-touch gestures, such as pinching and swiping. In Live View mode, you can even select AF points, track faces and objects, and fine-tune image settings via the camera’s Quick Control screen.
FOAP is a new web service that enables users to sell their iPhone photos via a smartphone app. The company splits the revenue on a 50/50 basis with the photographer, and each approved photo is licensed for $10, meaning you can earn $5 each time someone buys it. “We want to attract the best Iphoneographers and those who are passionate about photography rather then everyone,” says David Los, co-founder of FOAP. The company claims it has already partnered up with a number of photo buyers including Ferratum, a micro loan company. The app launched in the Scandinavian AppStores on 15th May, and has already attracted thousands of registered users. Today marks its launch on iTunes UK.
With the recent advent of 3D televisions, it's perhaps inevitable that digital cameras will follow the 3D trend. Enter stage left the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1, which has not one but two lenses to create 3D photos and video. Is it worth paying the extra to join the 3D revolution? Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 review to find out.
The Pentax Optio LS465 is a new entry-level compact digital camera. The LS465 weights just 104g with dimensions of 10.2 x 4.6 x 1.8cm. The LS465’s appearance can be changed by simply attaching one of the 10 stylish acrylic inserts included with the camera. The Pentax Optio LS465 will be available in Sapphire black, Ruby pink and Amethyst purple from mid-June priced at £89.99.
Samsung has announced the pricing and U.S. retail availability of the world’s first Wi-Fi enabled compact system cameras. The Samsung NX20 and N210 are available now from authorized Samsung retailers for MSRPs of $1,099.99 and $899.99, respectively. The sleek and compact NX1000 will be available in June in white, black and pink at an MSRP of $699.99.
Issue 4 of David Noton’s Chasing the Light eZine has now gone live. This month’s issue contains articles from behind the lens whilst kayaking in the Canadian Arctic, island hopping in the Philippines, avoiding the tripod police in Australia and blurring clouds in Italy with associated features on complementary colour, long exposures and composition. The magazine is available exclusively to f11 members. To learn about f11 membership benefits and register for a free trial month, visit the website below.
Ahead of our full review, here are 46 sample JPEG photos and a 1080p movie taken with a full production version of the new Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR ultra-zoom compact camera. The HS30 EXR is a 16 megapixel superzoom/bridge camera with a 30x optical zoom lens, Full 1080p HD movie recording, RAW image capture, electronic viewfinder, a tilting LCD screen and a flash hot-shoe.
UKTV has announced a photography contest to celebrate the launch of its new Human Planet series on Eden and Eden HD. “This breathtaking eight-part series takes the viewer to meet the people who survive by building complex, exciting and often mutually beneficial relationships with their animal neighbours and the hostile elements of the natural world,” the company says. Photographer Timothy Allen has been shadowing the crew during the production of the series, documenting the lives of communities in the Arctic, tropical rainforest and remote desert locations. Those participating in Eden’s Living Portrait competition on Facebook by uploading a photo of what “their human planet” means to them are in for a chance to win a 2-day on-location photo-shoot with Timothy at La Merce Festival, Barcelona’s largest street party.
The Fine Art Society Contemporary has announced an exhibition entitled Resistance: Working Against the Camera. All of the artists selected for the exhibition resist the normal parameters of the photographic medium, either by inventing their own cameras, destroying them or creating unique camera-less photograms. The list of exhibiting artists include Steven Pippin (UK), Idris Khan (UK), Adam Fuss (US), Rob and Nick Carter (UK), Christopher Bucklow, Janet Laurence (Australia) and Edgar Lissel (Germany). The exhibition opens to the public on 18 April and runs until 5 May 2012. The Fine Art Society is located at 148 New Bond Street, London W1S 2JT.
The AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is an affordable telephoto lens for Nikon DX-format DSLR users. Read our Nikkor 55-300mm review to find out if it's worth the modest investment.
One of the UK's leading landscape and travel photographers, David Noton, looks back at the photographs that got away...
In the second of our 3-part series on Winter Photography, we spoke to Light & Land tour leader David Ward about his experiences of shooting 'Winter in Glencoe'.
Samsung has launched a new range of Wi-Fi enabled travel zoom cameras. The flagship Samsung WB850F (€350, pictured) features a 21x optical zoom, 16.2-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, 3-inch AMOLED screen, Full HD video recording built-in GPS and Digital Compass. The 14.2-megapixel Samsung WB150F (€220) comes with 18x optical zoom, 720p HD video recording capabilities and the same large AMOLED display as the WB850F, while the Samsung ST200F (€200) sports a 10x zoom lens and 720p video. With the innovative Remote Viewfinder feature, users can remotely control camera settings and set-up shots via a connected smartphone using the cameras’ Wi-Fi connection. The Wi-Fi capability of the new Samsung long-zoom cameras also allows users to email photos from any hotspot or share them on social networks such as Facebook and Picasa. The WB850F and the WB150F give photographers full manual control over the picture-taking process, with a Smart Auto mode also on board to help beginners or less experienced photographers.
Casio America today announced the release of the 16-megapixel, 7x zoom EX-ZR15, a new addition to its EXILIM lineup of digital compact cameras. The Casio EXILIM EX-ZR15 boasts a start-up time of 0.99 seconds, 0.13-second high-speed auto focus, and shot-to-shot speeds of just 0.29 seconds in single-shot mode. Other highlights include a background blur effect that accentuates the subject and softens the background, and the new Wide Shot function that lets users create ultra-wideangle shots by panning the camera (equivalent to 21mm or 17mm wide-angle when converted to 35mm film format). Also capable of recording Full HD movies, the Casio EX-ZR15 will be available in Black, White, Red and Gold and will ship in April for $329.99.
The Sigma SD1 is the flagship DSLR camera from a company better known for their camera lenses. Sigma have taken a very different path with the SD1, which uses a Foveon X3 sensor with no less than 46 megapixels. Read our Sigma SD1 review to find out if this DSLR is worth the eye-watering £6,199.99 / $9,700 price tag...
In the first of a three part ‘Winter Photography’ series by the <a href="http://www.lightandland.co.uk">Light & Land</a> team, tour leader and Landscape Photographer of the Year winner Antony Spencer talks us through the challenges of capturing the spectacular Aurora Borealis...
Lost Leviathans - The World’s Last Working Steam Locomotives is a new title from Milepost Publishing, featuring 300 colour photographs by Colin Garratt. The photographer, who used to work as an office clerk at the Leicester Midland Motive Power Depot, has dedicated his life to documenting the demise of the steam engine by travelling around the world photographing the last remaining locomotives. The 224-page hardback is available for £30.
Getty Images has announced that its Flickr Collection has grown to 250,000 images, “The Flickr collection has proved a massive success for us in our aim to bring a different and a varied range of imagery to the marketplace,” explained Andrew Saunders, Getty Images SVP of Creative. “For us, the 250,000 image milestone emphasizes how dynamic and engaged our Flickr community of contributors truly is and we continue to be thrilled by the imagery being creating for this real life collection.”
New York’s leading architectural and aerial photographer, Evan Joseph, is making his gallery debut at Tachi Gallery on 27th October. Over the last year Evan has transitioned into fine art photography with the release of his book, New York City At Night. The exhibition on Oct. 27th at Tachi will pick up where the book left off as he will include some never before seen images of New York City that were not published in the book. The “Evan Joseph at Night” exhibition blends these aerial photographs, which were taken from a helicopter several hundreds of feet in the air, with amazing skyline views from some of the most exclusive vantage points in the city. Tachi Gallery is located at 414 Washington Street, New York.
The Casio EX-ZR100 is a travel-zoom camera that offers high-speed shooting and long battery life. Key features of the Casio ZR100 include a 40fps burst mode, 1,000 shot battery life, 3 inch screen, 1080i HD video, a 12.1 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor and a 24-300mm, 12.5x zoom lens. Read our in-depth Casio EX-ZR100 review now...
Rankin has announced the launch of his brand new biannual, THE HUNGER and its live, digital embodiment, THE HUNGER TV. The magazine will feature a selection of individuals from the worlds of art, design, fashion, drama, music and more, who have also pushed at the cultural boundaries in their own fields. “The Hunger is an idea that was born from the realisation that, more than two decades into my career as a photographer, I am still inspired by what I do every day,” .Rankin said “I named my first retrospective exhibition Visually Hungry – that’s how I felt. In a lot of ways, it is how I think I’ll feel until I die.” The first issue of the magazine will be available on 17th November.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS18 (also known as the DMC-FH5) is an ultra-slim compact camera with a 4x zoom lens. The 16 megapixel FS18 / FH5 also offers 720p HD movies, a 2.7 inch LCD screen and Panasonic's clever Intelligent Auto mode. Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS18 review to find out if it makes a great pocket camera for beginners.
In Part 2 of our Going Pro series, some of the UK's leading photographers reveal how they became professional photographers.
The brand new Lumix DMC-FZ150 is Panasonic's flagship super-zoom compact camera for 2011. Key highlights of the FZ150 include a 24x zoom lens, full 1080p HD movies, high-resolution 3 inch LCD, faster auto-focusing and burst shooting, and a sensible 12 megapixel MOS image sensor. Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 review to find out if it can challenge the other super zoom contenders...
The Samsung MultiView MV800 is a unique digital camera with a flip-out touchscreen display. The MV800’s 3 inch Wide Flip-out MultiView Touch Display captures the perfect self-portrait or extreme low and high angled shots. The MV800 also offers 16.1 megapixels, a 5x optical zoom lens with 26mm wide-angle setting, 720p movies, and the innovative Storyboard Maker. The Samsung MV800 will be available in mid-September for £249.
Panasonic have just introduced the DMC-FZ48 / DMC-FZ47 super-zoom camera, successor to the FZ45 model and cheaper alternative to the range-topping FZ100. Key highlights of the FZ48 / FZ47 include a 24x zoom, higher-resolution 3 inch LCD, full 1080i HD movies, faster auto-focusing and burst shooting, and a 12 megapixel CCD sensor. Read the World's first Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ48 / FZ47 review now.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W570 is a new 16.1 megapixel compact camera with an ultra-wide angle 25-125mm 5x zoom lens. The W570 has a raft of auto features aimed at improving your pictures, from the Easy shooting mode for complete beginners, smile shutter for easier portraits, dynamic range optimiser for more detail, to the Sweep Panorama mode that never fails to impress. Read our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W570 review to find out if this is the right point-and-shoot camera for you.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ48 is a new super-zoom compact camera with a 24x optical zoom lens. Other standout features of the FZ48 include a 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor, Sonic Speed AF, manual operation, 1920 x 1080 full-HD video recording, 3D Photo mode and new Creative Controls with Miniature Effect mode. Pricing and availability of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ48 are still to be announced.
Delkin has announced new upgrades as well as a cleared patent on their award winning SensorScope DSLR Sensor Inspection Device and Cleaning System. Two new components have been added to the line-up of cleaning tools that are designed to tackle various types of sensor debris. A recent partnership with LensPen resulted in a custom designed polishing and edging tool inspired by DSLR camera technicians. The SensorPen by LensPen features a non-carbon triangular tip for cleaning the edges of the sensor and polishing the sensor surface, as well as a slide out soft DSLR body brush that safely removes dust and debris from the camera body. A dual sided lint free cleaning cloth has also been added to the system, with a white microfibre side designed for sensitive exterior optics and a grey terry side for the removal of fingerprints and oils from the SensorScope and camera body.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS37 (also known as the DMC-FH27) is a new touch-screen compact camera with an appealingly versatile 8x zoom lens. Costing £199 / $229, the FS37 / FH27 is aimed at the beginner end of the market, yet still offers some advanced features including 720p HD movies and Panasonic's reliable intelligent Auto mode. Read our expert Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS37 review now.
The Casio EX-Z3000 is a 16.1-megapixel digital compact camera with 8x optical zoom and a 3.2” touch-sensitive LCD screen. Users can activate the shutter simply by touching the screen: with a single touch, the camera focuses on that point in the scene and captures the image. The Casio EX-Z3000 also features CCD-shift image stabilisation and high-speed autofocus (0.14s at the wide end of the zoom). The EXILIM EX-Z3000 is available in four colours: silver, pink, brown, and red. Pricing to be confirmed.
Photowrap is a brand new series of online workshops on documentary photography. The three-week course begins on 6th June and goes on until the 26th. Participants from around the world can log in on the private Flickr Photowrap group to take part in live discussions, upload their photographs and follow the tasks given every other day. Skype will be used for a series of one-to-one sessions that will regularly take place to tailor the tutoring around the students’ needs and time-schedules. In addition to that, special-guest reviewers will provide feedback on participants’ images. Once the course is finished, the photographers’ photo-essays will be published in the ever-growing Photowrap website, through which they will receive international exposure. The cost of attendance is £500.
Website: Photowrap
Manfrotto has kicked off what it calls a “global conversation on how to share and express imagination through better images” by issuing the Imagine More Global Manifesto. This manifesto is just a single part of the Imagine More Initiative which includes a contest, “designed to give people across the globe a chance to re-define 21st century creativity, walk the red carpet and be recognised at the 2011 Venice Film Festival”. It is a user-generated process that involves consumers from the United Kingdom, the United States, China, France, Germany, Italy and Hong Kong. The first part of the contest from now until May 31, 2011, will aim to define the ten basic principles of imagination through user-generated tweets. The five best tweets will be coupled with tweets from celebrity talents to complete the manifesto text. The second part of the contest, from June 1- 15, 2011, gives more visual social recorders the opportunity to express and share their imagination by uploading their best photos to manfrottoimaginemore.com, Facebook and Flickr. Two winners – one from each part of the contest - will receive an exclusive trip to Venice for the next Film Festival.
The new BenQ E1465 is a 14-megapixel digital compact camera featuring an easy-to-use panorama mode, 720p HD video recording and a super macro mode. Also on board is a 27-108mm equivalent wide zoom lens, a 2.7” LCD screen and an SD memory card slot that can handle today’s high-capacity SDHC and SDXC cards- Offering effects like Lomo, Fisheye and Colour Accent, the BenQ E1465 will be available in May. Pricing to be confirmed.
Budget doesn't have to mean cheap and nasty, and that's certainly the case with the stylish yet affordable Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 camera. A 14 megapixel sensor, 2.7 inch screen, 4x wide-angle zoom lens and even 720p movies can be your for just over £100 / $125. Check out our Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 Review to find out if this camera is less disposable than its price suggests.
Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld considers if, when and how you should post-process your photos.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX77 camera relies almost exclusively on its clever touchscreen technologies for operation, sporting a massive 3.5 inch LCD screen. Also on offer are a bright f/2.4, 5x zoom lens, 12.1 megapixel CCD sensor, and 1080p HD video. Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX77 review complete with sample images and video.
One of the UK's leading landscape and travel photographers, David Noton, explains how to set a camera's white balance for landscapes.
The Nikon Coolpix S3100 is a budget digicam with a sense of style thanks to its all-metal body and wide variety of colours. Costing just £130 / $140, the S3100 ticks all the right boxes - 14 megapixels, 5x wide-angle lens, 2.7 inch screen, range of do-it-all auto modes - at a price that won't break the bank. Read our in-depth Nikon Coolpix S3100 review complete with sample images, video and more to find out if this is the right point-and-shoot camera for you.
The Lumix DMC-FT3 is Panasonic's new all-action digicam for 2011. Successor to the very good FT2 model that we reviewed last year, the Panasonic FT3 offers improved freeze, shock, water and dust proof capabilities, plus a built-in GPS function, compass, altimeter and barometer. Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT3 review to find out if this is the tough camera for you.
The Pentax Optio S1 is a fashionable and elegant digital compact camera. Aiming to take on the Canon IXUS range, the Pentax S1 has a 14 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom lens (28-140mm), 2.7 inch LCD, and 720p HD video capture. Available later this month, the Pentax S1 costs $199.95 / £119.99.
FORMAT 2011, the UK’s leading international festival of contemporary photography and related media, has announced its full programme for its 5th edition. Taking place at various venues in and around Derby, from 4th March until 3rd April, FORMAT 2011 is curated around the resurgence of street photography. The Festival is organised in two strands, FOCUS and EXPOSURE. FOCUS will show curated exhibitions and new commissions by leading international artists, whereas EXPOSURE will feature work by some 50 of the most exciting new photographers from around the world. You can read the programme announcement in its entirety below.
The Canon EOS 600D / Rebel T3i is a new compact, lightweight DSLR that sits at the top of Canon’s entry-level EOS line-up. The Canon 600D has an 18 megapixel sensor, full 1080p HD movies, 1,040k-dot vari-angle 7.7cm (3.0”) screen, and 3.7fps continuous shooting. The Canon 600D / Rebel T3i is available from early April 2011, priced at £679.00/€819.00/$799.99 body only, £769.00/€929.00/$899.99 with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens, and £949.00/€1,149.00/$1099.99 with the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens.
Large format photographer David Ward considers how photographs communicate meaning to the viewer.
The official programme of the fifth Format international photography festival has been announced. Taking place at various venues in and around Derby, 4th March – 3rd April 2011, Format Festival will show curated exhibitions and new commissions by leading international artists within the practice of street photography. Outside in Derby Marketplace, Magnum Photos and Format will present “Take to the Streets” – a major outdoor survey show of 140 large-scale street photos by seven leading Magnum photographers working around the world. The premier exhibition strand also includes Mob Format - an international mass submission online project in association with Flickr. Submissions will be shown on the BBC Big Screen in Derby Market Place, and on mobile screens around Derby, while a Hype-style gallery in a central pop-up location will print and display the best submissions daily in a constantly-evolving exhibition. The full programme brochure will be available to download from the official Format Festival website from mid-February 2011.
The Ricoh CX5 is a new 10 megapixel compact camera with a 10.7x, 28-30mm zoom lens. The Ricoh CX5 offers higher autofocus speed due to the use of Ricoh’s new hybrid AF system, with focusing times decreased to as low as 0.2 sec. The CX5 also allows recording of images with improved resolution using the “Super-resolution” setting, and telephoto shooting at up to 600mm equivalent using the Super-resolution Zoom. The Ricoh CX5 will be available in black, silver, and pink for £259.99 from the end of February in the UK, and $399 from February 10th in the US.
One of the UK's leading landscape and travel photographers, David Noton, explains how to pack your camera bag.
The Casio EX-H30 digital camera can take 1,000 photos on a single battery charge. The EXH30 also features a 16.1 megapixel CCD, a wide-angle 24mm, 12.5x optical zoom lens, a 3.0-inch high-resolution 460K Super Clear LCD, 720p movies and CCD-shift image stabilisation. The Casio EX-H30 will be available in four colors, including sliver, black, red, and gold, and will ship in March 2011 for $249.99.
The Casio EX-ZR100 is a new wide-angle, high-zoom digital camera. The ZR100 features a 12.1-megapixel, back-illuminated CMOS sensor, wide-angle 24 mm, 12.5x optical zoom lens, 40fps burst mode at 10 megapixels, Full HD movies and an HDR ART function. The Casio EX-ZR100 will be available in black and will ship in March 2011 for $299.99.
The PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED is the first ever wide-angle tilt-shift lens from Nikon. Designed for studio, architecture and landscape photography, the PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED is a serious investment at £1099.99 / €1642.00 / $1929. Read our in-depth PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED review.
The US National Park Service (NPS) has announced the winners of its 2010 National Historic Landmark (NHL) Photo Contest. The winning photograph, entitled “Mount Rainier in the Morning”, has been captured by Matthew Bell of Lost Delta Photography, Olympia, Washington. “The selection of this year’s winner took some exciting outside-the-box thinking,” said NPS Director Jonathan Jarvis. “When we look at the winning image, we see the natural world instead of one of the many historic buildings on the list of NHLs. Managed—not made—by humans, Mount Rainier National Park represents a landmark in conservation history.”
We've selected our top picks for this year's Holiday season, all the way from the cheapest digital compact up to the most expensive DSLR and everything in between. So no matter what your budget, make sure that you consult the Photography Blog Holiday Gift Guide for 2010 before splashing out your hard-earned cash.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 is the World’s smallest and lightest compact system camera. Successor to the popular GF1, the new 12 megapixel Panasonic GF2 is 19% smaller in size and 7% less in weight than than its predecessor. The DMC-GF2 has a touch control 460,000-dot LCD screen and a new Graphic User Interface (GUI) and full HD movies at 1920 x 1080 at 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL) in AVCHD format. Available in black, silver and, red, pink and white, in the UK the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 will be available in January 2011 with either the 14-42mm lens for £599.99, 14mm lens for £629.99 or a 14-42m / 14mm twin lens kit for £729.99.
Insight Guides will mark its 40th anniversary later this month with the publication of its very own Insight Guide to Travel Photography. Created by experts in this field and giving plenty of examples, the book covers everything from digital processing to the selling of images. Unique to the Insight Guide to Travel Photography is a section on how to photograph people respectfully in their own environment, focusing on the importance of establishing rapport with the subject. Authoritative essays focus upon Capturing the Soul, The Family of Man and Flash Photography. Illustrated sections explore all aspects of technique, from lighting and composition to camera settings, exposure and lenses. The book is available now at a price of £14.99.
Commercial photographer Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld explains the secrets of taking great panoramic photographs.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is a new 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds camera with extremely fast contrast-detect autofocus and a multi-aspect LiveMOS sensor.. Featuring an intuitive touch control for setting the active focus point, the new Panasonic GH2 boasts focusing times as low as 0.1 second at the wide end of the 14-140mm lens. To match the multi-aspect sensor in the GH2, Panasonic has also developed a multi-aspect EVF with a resolution of 1.53 million dots, a magnification of 1.42x, and 100% frame coverage. In addition to capturing 16-megapixel stills, the GH2 also offers Full HD video recording at variable frame rates including cine standard 24fps with a bit rate of up to 24Mbps. Along with the Lumix GH2, Panasonic also unveiled three new lenses, including a wide 14mm f2.5 pancake, a 100-300mm super-telezoom and a 12.5mm 3D lens. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 will cost £899.99 with the 14-42mm lens and £1299.99 with the 14-140mm lens.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is the long-awaited successor to the ahead-of-its-time LX3, a compact camera that hit the sweet spot for photographers looking for a pocketable alternative to their DSLR. Fast forward two years to 2010, and it's the turn of the new LX5 to appeal to the more experienced prosumer, with a longer 3.8x lens, improved 10 megapixel sensor, AVCHD movies and a tweaked control system all on offer. Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 review with sample JPEG, RAW and video files now.
Panasonic have introduced not one but two new super-zoom cameras for 2010. Today we're looking at the DMC-FZ45 / DMC-FZ40 camera, successor to the popular FZ38 model and the cheaper brother of the new FZ100 which we recently and enthusiastically reviewed. Key highlights of the FZ45 / FZ40 include a 24x zoom, large 3 inch LCD, 720p HD movies, RAW mode and a 14 megapixel CCD sensor. Read the world's first online Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ45 Review now.
The Lumix DMC-FX70 is Panasonic's first compact camera that almost exclusively relies on its clever touchscreen technologies for operation, with just a few external controls to supplement the 3 inch LCD. Also on offer are a bright f/2.2, 5x zoom lens, 14 megapixel CCD sensor, and 720p HD video. Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX70 review complete with sample images and video.
The Fujifilm FinePix REAL 3D W3 camera can shoot high-resolution 3D photos and movies in 3D HD at 720p. The new Fujifilm W3 also has a Mini HDMI port for easy playback on most 3D television systems. The 3.5” high resolution Autostereoscopic 3D Widescreen LCD with 1150K resolution displays high contrast images and movies that can be viewed in 3D without the need of 3D glasses. The Fujifilm FinePix REAL 3D W3 digital camera will be available in early September 2010 at a retail price of $499.95 / £399.99.
The super-zoom compact camera market is a hotly-contested one, with offerings from all the big manufacturers. Panasonic have updated their range for 2010 with the introduction of the DMC-FZ100, an all-singing, all-dancing successor to the popular FZ38 model. Key highlights include a 24x zoom, large free-angle LCD, full HD movies, 11fps burst shooting, fast RAW mode and a 14 megapixel sensor. Read the world's first online Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 Review to find out if it can beat its rivals.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS30 (also known as the DMC-FH20) is a new compact camera with an appealingly versatile 8x zoom lens. Costing less than £179 / $179, the FS30 / FH20 is aimed at the beginner end of the market, yet still offers some advanced features including 720p HD movies and Panasonic's reliable intelligent Auto mode. Read our expert Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS30 review now.
The Casio EX-Z800 and EX-S200 are new compact cameras featuring Single Frame SR Zoom which extends the zoom range. The 14.1 megapixel Casio Z800 and S200 both offer a 4x optical zoom lens that starts at 27mm wide-angle, CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism, Premium Auto and Dynamic Photo functions. The EXILIM Card EX-S200 is a slim, high-quality, card-sized camera that is just 17.8 mm thick and only 14.9 mm at its thinnest part, while the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z800 is compact enough to fit in the palm of the hand. The Casio EX-Z800 and EX-S200 will both be available at the beginning of September 2010.
AKVIS LightShop 3 lets you create an infinite number of amazing light effects. Version 3.0 has improved compatibility with Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6. 64-bit, and now works with Adobe Photoshop CS4/CS5 64-bit. AKVIS LightShop costs $97 USD.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS33 (also known as the DMC-FH22) is a new touch-screen compact camera with an appealingly versatile 8x zoom lens. Costing less than £199 / $199, the FS33 / FH22 is aimed at the beginner end of the market, yet still offers some advanced features including 720p HD movies and Panasonic's reliable intelligent Auto mode. Read our expert Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS33 review now.
Black & Blue is the title of an exhibition of Gianni Galassi’s architectural “photo visions”. The exhibition title is inspired by the wide black colour-fields created by the shadows – the true subject of the showcased photographs – and by the cut-outs of sky, in a highly saturated blue, marking the compositional voids. Curated by Laura Ginapri, the exhibition will take place in the recently renovated La Piscina space, on the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. It features 68 colour photographs in the 180x180 cm (70x70 inch), 120x120 cm (47x47 inch) and 60x60 cm (23x23 inch) sizes, along with 3 site specific installations. The exhibit will be on show from 26 August to 3 October 2010.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55 is a new compact travel-zoom camera, sporting a 10x, 25-200mm lens and 14 megapixel sensor. A cheaper alternative to the Sony HX5, the H55 model also offers a 3 inch LCD screen, 720p HD movies and Sweep Panorama mode. Gavin Stoker tests out the £250 / $250 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55.
The Annenberg Space for Photography presents its next exhibit, Pictures of THE YEAR International (POYi), with images from one of the most prestigious photojournalism competitions in the world. With approximately 60 images, the print exhibit will cover 2009 with views of youth culture, soldiers’ stories, the continued economic crisis, environmental disasters, pop culture, and more. A separate digital exhibit will feature hundreds of additional winning images and will follow winning photojournalists ‘behind the lens’ in the field, such as- Barbara Davidson and Brian L. Frank. The exhibit will kick off June 24-25, 2010 with the POYi Education & Awards programme, a two-day event that includes presentations by the exhibited award-winning photojournalists. The Annenberg Space for Photography is located at 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, California and is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am-6pm.
Robert Doisneau might be best known for his black-and-white street photographs - but a new book, containing 100 archival, never-before-seen pictures proves that he was very much at home in colour photography too. In 1960, Doisneau was invited by Fortune magazine to cover Palm Springs, the hottest travel destination of the day. There, Doisneau took hundreds of photographs, twenty-three of which were published in the magazine. The rest have been rediscovered in his archives, and one hundred are featured in the book, Robert Doisneau: Palm Springs 1960, for the first time. The 156-page hardback will go on sale in September, priced at $34.95 USD / $39.95 CDN.
Find out what drives wildlife and National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore in our in-depth interview.
Forty-nine photo editors from respected picture-desks in twenty-six different countries will judge the Red Bull Illume competition this year. 4,337 photographers from 112 countries registered to the competition website and 22,764 images were submitted to the competition before the February 28 deadline. This is more than three times the amount entered into the 2007 Image Quest. The jury has the challenging task of selecting the best 50 images from 10 categories. For a complete list of jurors, see the press release below.
Travel-zoom cameras have quickly become a popular sector of the compact market, offering a compelling combination of small size and big zoom. Panasonic's new budget travel-zoom camera for 2010, the DMC-TZ8 (also known as the DMC-ZS5) is no different, offering a 25-300mm focal range in a camera that can easily fit inside a jacket pocket. Mark Goldstein puts the TZ8 / ZS5 through its paces in the World's first on-line review...
The new Panasonic Lumix ZX3 / ZR3 is a tiny camera that packs a big punch, with an 8x, 25-300mm wide-angle zoom lens and 14 megapixel sensor. Capable of recording 720p HD movies in the AVCHD Lite or Motion JPEG formats, the ZX3 (called the ZR3 in North America) features Panasonic's newly introduced Intelligent Resolution function which can boost the zoom to 10x with minimal loss of image quality. Mark Goldstein takes an in-depth look at the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZX3.
Seattle-based artist Aaron Gustafson has become the first person to take large-format photographs while skydiving. Gustafson designed a helmet-mounted 4x5-inch film camera, and during the period of several months he made one photograph per jump while skydiving at speeds greater than 130 miles per hour. The camera is a cube-shaped acrylic and aluminum box that contains a wide-angle lens and houses a single sheet of 4x5-inch film at a time. “Photography is in a strange place now where everyone is taking camera-phone snapshots and posting them online,” Gustafson said. “But photography can still be grand and larger-than-life. This project came out of a desire for that. It’s a hybrid of new and old, calm and chaos.”
It hasn't taken Panasonic long to release their second all-action digicam, the Lumix DMC-FT2. Successor to the very good FT1 model that we reviewed just a few weeks ago, the Panasonic FT2 gains new freezeproof capabilities, better shock and water proofness, plus a faster auto-focus system, more stable anti-shake, and a couple more megapixels. In this World First review, find out if the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT2 is the new toughest camera on the block.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT1 joins the growing list of rugged cameras that you can take almost anywhere and which will survive almost anything. Waterproof, shockproof and dustproof, the Panasonic FT1 (also called the TS1) should handle whatever you or your family choose to throw at it. Gavin Stoker finds out if the FT1 can even brave the coldest UK winter for decades...
The DMC-FX60 (known as the FX65 in the US) is the latest addition to Panasonic's extensive range of small and stylish compact cameras. Successor to the FX40 / FX48 model, the 12 megapixel Panasonic FX60 / FX65 features a faster auto-focus, larger LCD screen, longer battery life and improved anti-shake system. Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX60 review to find out if this is the right camera for you.
The Epson Stylus Pro 7900 is an A1+/24" large format printer aimed squarely at the pro photographer. According to Epson, the 7900 offers "the best the industry has to offer for colour proofing, photography and fine art reproduction" - a bold claim indeed. Jon Canfield finds out if the Epson 7900 really can deliver on its promise in our expert review.
Jon Canfield held a workshop on fine art digital printing at the annual summit of the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA). The focus of the workshop was on preparation for printing-resizing, sharpening, creative borders, media selection, and colour management-and then the actual printing of sample large format prints. The HP Designjet Z3200 Photo Printer used during the workshop created quite a stir at the workshop. “The prints from the HP printer were extremely popular,” said Canfield. “Comments from participants were that the prints looked better than anything they had tried before. The black and white prints on HP Baryte Satin Art Paper were the most neutral they had ever seen. People were impressed.”
The Lumix DMC-FP8 is the first in a new stylish series of cameras from Panasonic. Aimed at the fashion-conscious consumer, the FP8 features a flat aluminium body with an integral 4.6x optical zoom lens, plus an interface that lights up in blue when operated. In addition to all this adornment, the Panasonic FP8 also offers a 12 megapixel sensor, 2.7 inch LCD screen and ultra high speed auto-focus performance. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 is available in red, black or silver for £249.99 / $299.95. Gavin Stoker finds out if there's enough substance to match the style...
Our regular columnist, one of the UK's leading landscape and travel photographers, David Noton, explains how to take perfect long exposures.
The winners of the prestigious Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition 2009 have been unveiled. Americans Thomas Haney from Austin, Texas, Rob Palmer from Colorado and Kevin Schafer from Seattle are among the winners of the 46th annual competition, which attracted a record 43,135 entries from 94 countries. Thomas Haney won the One Earth Award with his moving image, ‘The Lone Fir’ (see above). Rob Palmer won the Behaviour: Birds category with his action shot, ‘Opportunist Snatch’, depicting a bald eagle catching a blackbird. Kevin Schafer was also announced a winner with his playful image, ‘Boto Water Polo’, which shone through in the Behaviour: Mammals category. The image shows a pair of wild Amazon river dolphins, or botos, playing with a floating macucu seed in a tributary of the Rio Negro in Amazonian Brazil.
The PowerShot G11 is the latest version of Canon's compact camera range for prosumers and professionals, offering a DSLR experience in a pocketable body. Interestingly Canon have reduced the number of megapixels on the G11 in a bid to improve image quality at higher ISO speeds, and they've responded to customer feedback by re-introducing the vari-angle LCD that was missing on the previous G10 model. With a price-tag of £569.00 / €659.00 / $499.99, the Canon PowerShot G11 is one of the most expensive digital compact cameras that money can buy - Gavin Stoker finds out if it's also one of the best...
Award-winning photographer George Logan has created a series of images depicting Glasgow’s iconic Red Road flats in an “unexpected” light. George Logan’s photographs of the buildings, notorious for being uninhabitable and earmarked for demolition, are more than just another series of architectural shots. They re-imagine Red Road as a place where Urban Miracles can, and do, happen. The images were created using students from a drama group as models, super imposed on George’s stunning photographs of the Red Road flats. The images are to be exhibited at a special show on October 22, 2009 at Village Underground in London. They are also available as archival c-type colour prints in three sizes in limited editions of 25.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZX1 is an unassuming new point-and-shoot ultra-compact camera with an incredible 8x zoom lens. Offering a versatile focal range of 25-200mm, the new ZX1 (also known as the DMC-ZR1) is still just 25mm thick and weighs less than 140g. With HD video, fast auto-focus and Panasonic's proven Intelligent Auto system, we find out if the Panasonic DMC-ZX1 is the ultimate family compact in our latest in-depth camera review.
Elliott Landy, official photographer for the original Woodstock Music Festival, has just released a new, 224-page, hardcover edition of Woodstock Vision-The Spirit Of A Generation featuring 300 of his classic rock images from the late sixties. This new collection of his work features famous photographs of Bob Dylan (Nashville Skyline), The Band (Music From Big Pink) and Van Morrison (Moondance) as well as Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and many other greats. It also includes photo-journalistic images of sixties peace demonstrations and a series of offbeat, humorous celebrity photographs. The new book, as well as signed, Fine Art Prints of Elliott’s classic images, can be ordered online at the website below. His Archival Pigment Prints are made on Hahnemühle Digital FineArt Baryta inkjet paper.
Website: Ladyvision
Large format photographer David Ward explores how to create one of the essential ingredients of his photography - mystery.
Shutterstock share their insider secrets on how to take successful stock photos.
Our regular columnist, one of the UK's leading landscape and travel photographers, David Noton, explains how you can achieve the perfect exposure.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38 (also known as the DMC-FZ35) is a new super-zoom camera that builds on the considerable success of the FZ28 and FZ18 models. Offering a high-definition video mode with stereo sound, faster autofocus and startup, new Power O.I.S anti-shake system and longer battery life, the Panasonic FZ38 concentrates on behind-the-scenes improvements whilst retaining the intuitive handling, Intelligent Auto mode, manual shooting modes and RAW support of the FZ28. Priced at £329.99 / $399.95, we bring you the World's first ever review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38.
The Panasonic DMC-FX40 (also known as the DMC-FX48) is a small, slim and stylish 12 megapixel camera with a wide-angle lens. The FX40 features a 25mm, 5x Leica lens offering a focal range of 25-125mm and F2.8 brightness. Other standout highlights of the Panasonic FX40 include Face Recognition, Venus Engine V processing engine, Panorama Assist mode, and 350 shot battery life. Available in black, red or silver for £259 / $349.95, Gavin Stoker discovered if the Panasonic FX40 / FX48 is worth considering.
Nick Kelsh, renowned photographer and author of eight photography books is introducing an easy-steps DVD entitled “How to Photograph Your Baby”. It is a warm, entertaining, and poignant look at common photography mistakes and offers simple, fun and effective ways to instantly improve results with a few quick tips. “How to Photograph Your Baby” DVD is available now at http://www.howtophotographyourbaby.com for $24.95.
Our regular columnist, one of the UK’s leading landscape and travel photographers, <a href="http://www.davidnoton.com/">David Noton</a>, shows you how to take great travel portraits.
The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX550 joins the growing ranks of cameras that literally allow you to get hands-on, with a large 3-inch touch-sensitive LCD screen. The aperture and shutter speed can be adjusted to the desired value simply by moving the slider, and AF/AE can be set by touching the subject with the FX550 automatically tracking the subject as it moves. The 12 megapixel Panasonic FX550 costs £299 in the UK and $399.95 in the US - Gavin Stoker got all touchy-feely with Panasonic's latest compact...
Our regular columnist, acclaimed landscape photographer <b><a href="http://www.charliewaite.com" title="Charlie Waite" target="_blank">Charlie Waite</a></b>, shares his secrets about taking great black and white landscape photographs.
Find out how Peter Essick took the photos for a National Geographic Magazine article on Oulanka National Park in north-eastern Finland.
Our regular columnist, one of the UK’s leading landscape and travel photographers, <a href="http://www.davidnoton.com/">David Noton</a>, travels 16,000 miles to Bali for one photo.
Large format photographer David Ward explains how you can improve your photography by not planning ahead.
Our regular columnist, one of the UK’s leading landscape and travel photographers, <a href="http://www.davidnoton.com/">David Noton</a>, photographs one view four times at dawn and dusk, with vastly different results.
Our new regular columnist, acclaimed landscape photographer <b><a href="http://www.charliewaite.com" title="Charlie Waite" target="_blank">Charlie Waite</a></b>, shares his secrets about taking great Spring photographs.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ6 is a new entry in the travel-zoom camera market. Offering a 12x, 25-300mm lens with optical image stabilisation, 2.7 inch LCD screen, WVGA (848x480) movies and 10 megapixel sensor, the Panasonic TZ6 is the well-appointed cheaper sibling of the TZ7 model that we recently raved about. Available in silver and black for £269 / $299, is the TZ6 a worthy alternative? Find out by reading out latest expert review...
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 is a brand new entry in the travel-zoom camera category. Sporting a 12x, 25-300mm lens with optical image stabilisation, 3 inch LCD screen, 720p HD movies and 10 megapixels, the Panasonic TZ7 promises to be the ultimate do-it-all pocket camera. Available in silver, black, brown, blue and red for £349 / $399, does the TZ7 succeed? Read our in-depth, real-world review complete with image samples, videos, test shots and more...
The GigaPan Epic capture detailed panoramas with almost any point-and-shoot digital camera. The Epic is a small robotic mount that automates the picture taking process, includes fully integrated software and works seamlessly with GigaPan.org. The GigaPan Epic, complete with the GigaPan Stitcher software, is available now for $379. The GigaPan Epic 100, available soon for $449, is a second model designed for larger point-and-shoot digital camera models.
Our fifth Christmas guest writer, long-time professional photographer Philip Dunn from PhotoActive, shares his top tips for taking great photos of mixed light.
Ever wondered how to create those wonderful atmospheric exterior photographs where golden light from a house window streams into the cold, blue light of the street? You must have seen them – National Geographic photographers use this technique all the time when taking pictures of villages or towns. Advertising photographers use it when photographing hotels and guest houses. It’s a really old trick to make the place look cosy and inviting – the front door is often left open so that yellow light spills out onto the doorstep.
Our fourth Christmas guest writer, one of Britain’s most accomplished large format photographers, David Ward from Light & Land, shares his top tips for taking great photos of winter landscapes.
Many people dream of the long, languorous days of summer, with its gentle, warm zephyrs. But, as a landscape photographer I dream of the short days of winter, preferably with snow and ice. Despite what you may think this isn’t simply a case of me being contrary. No, honestly, it isn’t! For me there are many compelling reasons why landscape photography is a more worthwhile experience in winter.
Our second Christmas guest writer, world famous photo-blogger David J. Nightingale from Chromasia, shares his top tips for creating great high dynamic range (HDR) photos.
ContrastMaster, a plugin for effective contrast enhancement, is now available for MacOS X. ContrastMaster can also create dramatic contrast looks, photorealistic paintings and HDR-like effects and works with 8bit and 16bit RGB images. ContrastMaster sells at $69.95 (Regular License) or $39.95 (Academic/Educational License). A demo version can also be downloaded.
Get your photo published in a glossy photo coffee table book by entering Datacolor’s “The Real Colors of my Life” competition. 30 winners will have their work featured, with the overall winner receiving a one week workshop with Tuscany Photographic Workshop. Entries to The Real Colors of my Life will be accepted from now until the 31st of January 2009 and can be in colour or black and white.
Photokina is over for another 2 years, so we’ve looked back at some of the most notable developments from the World’s biggest photography show.
Leica S System
Undoubtedly the greatest surprise of this year’s Photokina was Leica’s announcement of the new S system. The German manufacturer did not simply launch a new, high-resolution camera with an assortment of lenses to go with it. They did not simply introduce a new mount either. Instead they announced a completely new camera format, something that hasn’t happened since the debut of the FourThirds system five years ago.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is the World’s first Micro Four Thirds camera. Using a mirror-less structure and an electronic viewfinder instead of a conventional optical viewfinder, the Panasonic G1 still has a 12.1-megapixel Live MOS, Four Thirds sensor, but is much smaller than a regular DSLR camera. Other standout features of the DMC-G1 include a 3-inch, 460K dot, free-angle LCD screen and high-resolution 1,440,000-dot equivalent Live View Finder, both of which provide a 100% field of view and Full-time Live View. The Panasonic G1 accepts not only Micro Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses, but also conventional Four Thirds System lenses when an optional adapter is mounted. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 will be available from November 1st for £599 / $799.
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Ultimate Edition features increased raw camera support and new creative content. The latest version of this popular graphics program now supports more than 250 raw camera formats, and also adds150 brand-new, custom-made photo frames, photo edges and Picture Tubes. Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Ultimate is also now fully certified for Windows Vista. With a suggested retail price of £79, Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Ultimate is available starting today. Registered users of Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 can purchase the Ultimate Update Kit for £34.
The Olympus SP-565 UZ is a new 10 megapixel camera with a massive 20x optical zoom. Equivalent to 26-520mm, Dual Image Stabilisation helps to prevent blur caused by camera shake. The SP565 UZ also offers a 2.5 inch LCD screen, P/A/S/M exposure modes, Advanced Face Detection, and xD-Picture Card and microSD Card compatibility. The Olympus SP-565 UZ will be available in late September 2008 for £349.99 / $399.99.
ContrastMaster is a new plugin for contrast enhancement, dramatic contrast looks, photorealistic paintings and HDR-like effects. ContrastMaster offers three local and four global contrast adjustment methods as well as various masking, saturation and brightness options. It offers more options for fine-tuning and controlling image contrast than any other tool. Additionally, the Adaptive Contrast method is not available in any other software. ContrastMaster is available now for Windows, priced at $69.95. A Macintosh version is planned for the end of the year.
“Time Line: Sheila Metzner” is a retrospective exhibition of the work of acclaimed photographer Sheila Metzner. The exhibition will include approximately 100 images, drawn from Metzner’s personal collection, and will feature highlights from her work in several genres - fashion, still life, landscape and portraiture. “Time Line: Sheila Metzner” will be on view at the Visual Arts Museum, 209 East 23 Street, New York City, from September 3 – October 4, 2008.
Epson’s new SX400 and SX200 all-in-one printers offer cost-effective printer, scanner and copier functionality in a stylish and compact unit. Both the SX400 and SX200 feature individual ink cartridges for cost-efficient printing, and use use Epson’s pigment-based DURABrite Ultra Ink for prints that can last up to 200 years when stored in a photo album. The Epson SX400 additionally includes a 6.3cm crystal-clear LCD viewer. The Epson SX400 costs £119.99 and the Epson SX200 £79.99, both available in June 2008.
The Travel Photographer of the Year 2008 competition is now open for entries. There are three portfolio categories - Life, Call of the Wild and Joy of Travel - a One Shot category, Destination Anywhere, and Young TPOTY. New this year are the First Shot: Wish You Were Here category for less experienced photographers, and three special £1,000 awards for the Best Single Image in a Portfolio. Prizes include a place on the 2009 High & Wild Everest Skydive Expedition and Intrepid Travel trips to India and Cuba and to see the mountain gorillas of Uganda. The competition closes on September 9th. Entry costs £10 for a single image category and £15 for a portfolio category, and entry to Young TPOTY is free.
The Eye-Fi Explore is a new wireless SD memory card that automatically tags photos with information about where the image was captured. It also allows you to automatically upload photos from more than 10,000 wi-fi hotspots. “The Eye-Fi Explore delivers the two enhancements most requested by our users,” said Jef Holove, CEO for Eye-Fi. “Our geotagging service automates what is today a compelling, though time-consuming and manual, experience. And, our hotspot access will allow travelers, bloggers, and anyone on the go to upload, share and save their pictures before they even get home.” The 2GB Eye-Fi Explore includes unlimited Web uploads, unlimited geotagging and one year of hotspot access at Wayport locations. The Eye-Fi Explore ($129.00) will be available beginning June 6th 2008.
Nik Software have released the Viveza plug-in for Aperture 2.1. Viveza selectively controls light and color in photographic images by placing Control Points directly on colors or objects such as sky, skin or grass to make targeted adjustments. “Viveza perfectly complements Aperture by enabling photographers to make localized enhancements to brightness, contrast, or color without ever having to leave the application.” said Rob Schoeben, Apple’s vice president of Applications Product Marketing. Viveza costs $249.95 / € 249.95, and installs as an Aperture plug-in, fully compatible with Mac OS 10.5.
Practical Artistry: Light & Exposure for Digital Photographers combines stunning images in a beautifully designed book with no-nonsense insights. Author Harold Davis aims to show photographers how to measure light in order to capture their intended images. Davis commented “As a photographer, I’ve always learned by looking at photographs, particularly when the data about how the photo was made accompanies the image. So I created a book that allows people to learn about photography and to think about how to make photographs by simply looking at photos taken in specific conditions.” Practical Artistry: Light & Exposure for Digital Photographers costs $29.99, £18.50, 24 €.
Viveza allows you to precisely control and adjust the color and light in your digital images. Based on Nik Software’s U Point technology, Viveza provides easy-to-use methods for correcting and enhancing images without the need to create complicated selections or layer masks. Users place U Point powered Color Control Points directly on colors or objects in an image (such as sky, skin, grass, etc.) then adjust easy-to-use sliders for brightness, contrast, color and more. The suggested retail price of Viveza is $249.95, available in the first quarter of 2008.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 and DMC-TZ4 are 9 and 8 megapixel updates of Panasonic’s best-selling camera ever, the TZ3. Both the DMC-TZ5 and DMC-TZ4 feature a 10x, 28-280mm zoom lens, Venus Engine IV image processing engine and improved Intelligent Auto mode. The TZ5 has a 460,000 pixel high resolution 3 inch LCD screen, whilst the TZ4 has a smaller, 230,000 pixel 2.5 inch screen. Additionally the DMC-TZ5 integrates recording capabilities for 720p HD (high-definition) motion pictures.
I’ll be using the Panasonic DMC-TZ5 camera later today in Las Vegas, so stay tuned for some sample images…
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 is a new 25mm ultra wide-angle compact camera. The Panasonic FX35 features a 25-100mm zoom lens, Venus Engine IV processing engine and 10.1 megapixels. The DMC-FX35 also integrates 720p HD (high-definition), 30fps movie recording capabilities.
Travel Photographer of the Year are running a range of photography courses this year in the UK and internationally. TPOTY can help photographers strengthen their compositional and editing skills, get the most out of their camera, or really get to grips with Photoshop. To give a taste of what’s offer on TPOTY courses, TPOTY founder Chris Coe is giving free image critiques at Intrepid Travel’s London Store on Sunday, February 17th.
The new Fujifilm FinePix F100fd is billed as the ultimate ‘F Series’ digital camera. With a 12 megapixel, 8th Generation Super CCD sensor, 5x wide angle optical zoom lens (28-140mm), and a 2.7 inch LCD screen, the Fujifilm F100fd replaces the F50fd as the top of the range model. Other standout features include new expanded dynamic range capture functionality, Face Detection 3.0 and ISO settings of up to an unprecedented ISO 12800. The Fujifilm FinePix F100fd will be available from UK retailers in March 2008, pricing will be announced nearer to the date of the launch.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS80 is a new entry-level 8 megapixel digital camera. The LS80 offers a 3x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 33-100mm), 2.5 inch LCD screen, Optical Image Stabilizer, easy-to-use advanced functions and AA-battery operation. The DMC-LS80 is available in silver and pink, priced at £129.99, release date to be announced.
Corel PhotoImpact X3 digital photo editing software is aimed at the family memory keeper and the graphic arts hobbyist. “Project-oriented users will find that PhotoImpact X3 has the perfect mix of easy-to-use editing capabilities, creative project templates and digital art - all at an affordable price.” said Denise MacDonell, Director, Product Management, Digital Imaging at Corel. With a suggested retail price of $69.99 (US and Canada), PhotoImpact X3 is available now.
Wang Feng from China has beaten over 74,000 entrants to win the Sony Ericsson World View 2007 cameraphone photo contest. Commenting on Wang’s image, judge David Viggers said: ‘It’s a very high quality, sharp and well framed image, which blends a sense of humour with technical ability. It’s a simple, spontaneous moment captured on a camera phone to produce a visually striking, unusual image.” Merran Wrigley, Head of External Relations at Sony Ericsson, said: “Camera phone photography is being taken more and more seriously as the quality of images improve to that comparable with stand alone digital cameras. People are now using their camera phone to capture spontaneous moments that occur when they probably wouldn’t have their traditional camera.” Wang Feng has won a once in a life time photography trip for two.
Digital Astrophotography is a new book from Rocky Nook that teaches you how to capture the night sky in all its glory. The book helps you sort out which cameras are best for the various celestial subjects, what to look for when buying a camera, and what accessories you really need. Digital Astrophotography by Stefan Seip costs $29.95 USD, £18.50 GBP.
The winners of Tamron’s “Make Your Mark: Landmarks—Natural or Manmade” 2007 Photo Contest have been announced. The contest was open to U.S. residents submitting any original photograph prominently including a natural or manmade landmark that was taken with a Tamron lens. Tracy Arcari of Wheatogue, Connecticut took top honors for her breathtaking picture of The Mittens (pictured), a justly renowned rock formation in Monument Valley, Arizona. The theme for Tamron’s big 2008 Photo Contest is “Wet & Wild,”.
Color Efex Pro 3.0 is the latest version of Nik Software’s award-winning Color Efex Pro collection of photographic filters for Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. The new Color Efex Pro 3.0 filter collection now integrates Nik Software’s patented U Point technology for precise selective editing control, includes new and updated filters, and features a completely redesigned user interface. “Color Efex Pro 3.0 is the biggest advancement in the way photographers work with digital photographic filters and will change the way that photographers edit images,” said Michael J. Slater, CEO of Nik Software. “We have always been committed to placing creative control in the hands of photographers and the new filters in Color Efex Pro 3.0 and our U Point technology does exactly that,” Slater concluded. Color Efex Pro 3.0 is available in three versions The suggested retail price for the Complete Edition is $299.95; the Select Edition is $159.95; the Standard Edition is $99.95.
Knoll Light Factory 3 allows you to create lens flares and other lighting effects, including lasers, explosions and suns. “Knoll Light Factory offers a great way of painting with light, when you need to add some flare and sparkle to an image. Improving and speeding up the workflow was a major emphasis for this release, because we know photographers don’t want to spend lots of time at the computer.” said Jim Tierney, president of Digital Anarchy. Light Factory was originally written by John Knoll, the co-creator of Photoshop, to create the Photon Torpedoes in Star Trek First Contact. Knoll Light Factory 3.0 is priced at $149 USD. The product is on sale for $129 through October 21, 2007.
LightZone 3.1 includes new capabilities for quickly changing the look of objects within a photograph. You can now change the exposure of the sky in an image, sharpen only the yellow flowers in a field, or quickly modify the exposure of a face. “With this release, Light Crafts continues to liberate digital photo-editing users from the tedious technology-focused approach to editing, allowing them instead to focus on the art of image creation,” said Georges van Hoegaerden, Chief Executive Officer of Light Crafts. LightZone 3.1 is available as a free download for existing LightZone 3.0 Full and Basic users. The retail price is $249.95 for the Full version.
The Epson DX8400 and Epson DX7400 are new all-in-one four colour inkjet printers featuring Epson’s DURABrite Ultra Ink. Both models offer fast print speeds of up to 32ppm and it takes 26 seconds for a 10x15cm photo in draft, borderless mode. The Epson DX8400 Series additionally features a 6.3cm LCD viewer. The DX7400 will cost £79.99 and the DX8400 £99.99, available from 3rd September 2007.
You could win a trip for two to Japan in the first ever “What is Zen?” photography contest. Organised by ZEN Green Tea Liqueur, America’s first super-premium green tea liqueur, you must be over 21 to participate. The winning photograph will be a modern expression of the Zen philosophy. The contest will begin on August 13th and run through December 15th.
DxO Labs and REALVIZ have teamed up to offer up to $230 off DxO Optics Pro and REALVIZ Stitcher. “Bundling DxO Optics Pro and REALVIZ Stitcher makes it easier for photographers to create dramatic panoramic images while ensuring the best correction of optical and anamorphic distortion, vignetting, lens softness and chromatic aberrations for all the images concerned,” says Luc Marin, vice president of the Photography business at DxO Labs. Four different bundles are available:
DxO Optics Pro v4.5 Standard + Stitcher Express 2 $199 instead of $288
DxO Optics Pro v4.5 Standard + Stitcher Unlimited 5.6 $599 instead of $749
DxO Optics Pro v4.5 Elite + Stitcher Express 2 $319 instead of $418
DxO Optics Pro v4.5 Elite + Stitcher Unlimited 5.6 $649 instead of $879
PMA 2007: The Nikon D40x DSLR features a 10.2 megapixel sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images, 3D Colour Matrix Metering II system and 2.5 inch LCD screen, all in the most compact Nikon DSLR ever. The D40x offers near instant power-up and a continuous shooting mode of 100 jpeg images at 3 frames per second. The Nikon D40x is fully compatible (autofocus is supported) with AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses which are equipped with an autofocus motor. The D40x and AF-S 18-55mm DX lens kit will cost £599.99 / $799 and be available from 29th March 2007.
Monochrome enthusiasts will welcome the news of the reintroduction of ILFORD SFX 200 infrared film. Available from March 2007, ILFORD SFX 200 is a special red-filtered film perfect for landscapes, mountainscapes and similar subjects. “The revival of ILFORD SFX 200 film will enable those specialists who concentrate on outdoor photography to achieve a remarkable degree of control over their images,” commented ILFORD PHOTO marketing director Howard Hopwood. ILFORD SFX 200 is available in special value promotional packs which contain three rolls of 36x135 film plus an ILFORD COKIN P red filter.
Update: Ilford have also launched a competition called White Light, White Heat, which invites all amateur photographers to demonstrate their creative usage of ILFORD SFX 200 film.
At the CeBIT trade fair in March, researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology will present a prototype dubbed aceMedia that independently and intelligently organizes photos when they are saved on a hard disk. aceMedia can recognize, for instance, whether a picture was taken indoors or outdoors, and whether it depicts a landscape or a man-made environment. Researchers have also developed Pocket-PC Photobrowser, a program designed for archiving large volumes of photographs on mobile hand-held devices. It creates a thumbnail of each photograph and analyzes its metadata, searching through thousands of photos in seconds.
PMA 2007: The Panasonic DMC-FX30 is the world’s slimmest digital camera with a 28mm wide-angle lens. There’s also an Optical Image Stabiliser, ISO 1250 and Intelligent ISO Control for shake-free photos. The Panasonic DMC-FX30 will be available in March, price to be announced.
This week’s Gary’s Parries “Top Ten 2006” categories are:
1. BIGGEST GEEK: How To Include Yourself In Your Own Photos
2. BIGGEST TURN-ON: Fashion Model Seeks Fun-Loving Digital With Long Zoom
3. MOST PARRIES: Image Sensor Sizes ‘Explained’
4. BEST HOAX:
a. (Hook) Bridge Camera Records Digital Images To Film
b. (Line) New CCD Achieves ISO 6.4 Million !!!
c. (Sinker) April Fools
5. MOST EGG ON FACE: That’s No Problem, That’s A Nikon D50 Feature
6 CUTEST PHOTO:
a. (Original) Red-Eye Guaranteed, Or Your Money Back
b. (Follow-Up) No Red-Eye, I Want My Money Back
7. BIGGEST HYSTERIA: Artistic Photos Gone Wild
8. BEST NON-CAMERA: Telecaster Or Stratocaster
9. BEST CATCH:
a. (Winner) My First Ever Mistake
b. (Runner-Up) Animal Cruelty
10. BEST COMPLIMENT: I’ve Just Seen A Face
11. MOST TECHNICAL:
a. (Winner) The Sharper Image
b. (Runner-Up) CIS Versus CCD
The Nikon D40 DSLR is finally here after a number of high-profile leaks and reports by some of the leading photography websites. We’ve resisted the urge to break any embargoes, instead preferring to bring you news of the D40 in full, along with some exclusive product shots from yesterday’s UK press launch in central London. The Nikon D40 is small, light and undeniably cheap at just £449.99/ €679.99 with the new 18-55mm kit lens (it won’t be sold as body-only), but after trying it out, the D40 importantly still retains the usual high Nikon build-quality. The new Nikon D40 will be available from 1st December 2006.
Nikon UK Press Release
Nikon UK is pleased to announce the D40, a new interchangeable-lens digital SLR that combines brilliant performance with the practicality of a remarkably small and light camera body. The Nikon D40 boasts handling and performance advantages that eliminate the frustrations often associated with compact digital cameras. The careful design of the D40 allows users to take breathtaking pictures without the need to “learn” photography. The Nikon D40 features a high-resolution 6.1-effective-megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor and a highly advanced Nikon Image Processing Engine. These combine to produce exceptional image detail with true, vivid colours. Nikon’s exclusive 3D Colour Matrix Metering II assures accurate exposure control even in difficult lighting conditions. Using its 420-pixel sensor, the Nikon D40 instantly assesses and compares the brightness, contrast and colour of each scene to set the accurate exposure. Spot metering, centre-weighted metering and exposure compensation are also available for those wanting more control. The Nikon D40 comes kitted with the new 3x 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens assuring superb picture sharpness and optimum contrast, along with the versatility of a wide-angle to medium telephoto lens.
The Nikon D80 digital SLR camera is officially announced. In one of the most protracted launches ever, where even Nikon themselves leaked pictures of the new camera and several sites started D80 forums, we can finally tell you about the 10 megapixel Nikon D80, which will cost £699.99 body only in the UK. The D80 is also available in kit form with the 18-70mm lens for £899.99, and the new 18-135mm lens for £949.99. Early September is the anticipated release date.
Nikon UK Press Release
Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the D80, a high performance digital SLR camera incorporating Nikon’s latest digital and photographic technologies. This outstanding interchangeable-lens digital SLR boasts automated operation and advanced features, designed to satisfy photographers with the passion to create beautiful photographs. The Nikon D80 features a 10.2 effective megapixel DX Format CCD image sensor, providing a new level of high resolution and sharp detail. With this, however, also comes the freedom to crop creatively and print impressive enlargements. Nikon’s DX Format sensor and F bayonet lens mount design assures compatibility with the Nikon D80 across the comprehensive range of AF and DX Nikkor lenses.
This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are:
1. Digital Dust Problem 100x Worse Than Film
2. A Little Bit Rock ‘N’ Roll
Introducing this week’s Gary’s Parries column. Everything you always wanted to know about digital cameras, but were afraid to ask. No question too difficult, or too easy. As a Senior Principal Software Engineer, and a former Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems, as well as a recording studio owner/operator, inventor, and now, a digital camera enthusiast, GARY has more digital camera knowledge in his entire brain than most people have in their little finger. In the unlikely event that GARY would not know the answer to your question, he will answer it anyway, true to the spirit of the word “Parries”, a fencing term which, in this context, implies “cleverly evasive answers”. So let your imagination run wild. Email all your nagging digital camera questions to: [email protected] , and then, En Garde!
You may also attach to your email an ORIGINAL PHOTO of your choosing. A preview of the photo will be displayed with your question, and a full-sized version will be just a click away. No personal information will be published with your question unless you specifically include it in the text or attached photo of your email, which may be further edited for grammar, content, or other reasons.
This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are:
1. That’s No Problem, It’s A Nikon D50 Feature
2. Red-eye Guaranteed, Or Your Money Back
3. Who Was That Unsharp Masked Man?
4. AAA Battery Compatible Cameras
5. Effect Of Scene Modes On Image Quality / Resolution
6. New CMOS Image Sensor To Achieve ISO 6.4 MILLION (!!!)
Introducing this week’s Gary’s Parries column. Everything you always wanted to know about digital cameras, but were afraid to ask. No question too difficult, or too easy. As a Senior Principal Software Engineer, and a former Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems, as well as a recording studio owner/operator, and now, a digital camera enthusiast, GARY has more digital camera knowledge in his entire brain than most people have in their little finger. In the unlikely event that GARY would not know the answer to your question, he will answer it anyway, true to the spirit of the word “Parries”, a fencing term which, in this context, implies “cleverly evasive answers”. So let your imagination run wild. Email all your nagging digital camera questions to: [email protected], and then, En Garde!
You may also attach to your email an ORIGINAL PHOTO of your choosing for display with your question. No personal information will be published with your question unless you specifically include it in the text or attached photo of your email. Emails selected for publication may also be edited for grammar, content, or other reasons.
PMA 2006: The Nikon Coolpix S5 and Nikon Coolpix S6 are announced. 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch and 3 inch LCDs respectively. Coolpix S5 available end of February for £299.99 / €369. Coolpix S6 available mid March for £349.99 / €459.
Nikon Press Release
Two exciting digital compacts packing new photo-sharing entertainment into attractive wave-surface designs.
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the Nikon Coolpix S5 and Nikon Coolpix S6. Two exciting new cameras built for the sharing of digital photographic enjoyment, the Nikon S5 and Nikon S6 combine high-quality imaging performance with impressive wave-surface design, enable images to be improved in-camera, feature outstandingly large LCDs and introduce the powerful Pictmotion function that allows users to create entertaining in-camera shows. With the COOLPIX S5 and S6, image quality is also pleasingly high. Both cameras offer a 1/2.5-inch CCD and 6.0 effective megapixel resolution to produce images that stay sharp even when significantly enlarged. The Nikon Coolpix S5 and Nikon Coolpix S6 also each feature a superior quality 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens with a range of 35-105mm (35mm equivalent) that gives the photographer the freedom to zoom out for beautiful landscapes, zoom in for tightly composed portraits, and enjoy macro photography from as close as 4cm.
PMA 2006: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 is announced today. 5 megapixels, 10x Leica optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD, available in April.
Panasonic UK Press Release
Another world first from Panasonic: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 - the world’s smallest 10x optical zoom digital still camera
Panasonic Lumix cameras go from strength to strength with technological advancements designed to offer the ultimate in picture performance and user convenience. Building on its digital still camera achievements, Panasonic presents you with the world’s smallest 10x optical zoom digital still camera, made possible by the world’s first integrated retractable lens system with folded optics technology. The lens part of the super-compact Panasonic TZ1 features the integration of a retractable lens system with folded optics technology, realized by the inclusion of a prism. Incorporating three aspherical lenses, the crystallization of Panasonic optics technology, results in an amazingly powerful 10x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens contained within a slim and stylish body. The zoom ratio can be extended up to 12.5x in 3 megapixel resolution mode with minimal deterioration thanks to the Extra Optical Zoom. Furthermore, in combination with the 4x digital zoom, a zoom factor of up to 50x can be achieved.
PMA 2006: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 is announced today. 6 megapixels, 28mm wide-angle Leica optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD, available in March.
Panasonic UK Press Release
Panasonic’s launches the Lumix DMC-FX01 - the world’s smallest camera[1] with 28mm wide angle lens[2]
The world renowned Panasonic Lumix range offers sophistication in technology and style, evidence of which lies in the new 6.0 megapixel Panasonic FX01. The latest addition to the award winning FX series boasts a whole host of features including a 28mm wide angle LEICA DC lens with 3.6x optical zoom, all encompassed within a beautifully slim and compact design - thanks to the incorporation of an Extra High Refractive Index Lens. This new lens allows photographers to easily capture a large group of people, or expansive architectural structures and landscapes with dynamic width and rich perspective. The lens part of the DMC-FX01 comprises of seven elements in six groups, incorporating four aspherical lenses to generate high optical performance. The zoom ratio can be extended up to 5x in 3megapixel resolution mode with minimal deterioration thanks to the Extra Optical Zoom. By using the central part of the CCD, this powerful zooming function allows you to easily capture and magnify distant subjects.
myPhotopipe.com Press Release
Digital Cameras Altering Print Processing Business Models; myPhotopipe.com Today Launches New Line of Panoramic Prints for Digital Photographers
Atlanta, GA and Louisville, KY (PRWEB) February 2, 2006—The proliferation of digital cameras has impacted the photography industry in more ways than one. Camera owners are now demanding more print options for their images favoring larger sizes and exotics over the older, one-size-fits-all model pioneered decades ago by the local camera stores and mass market retailers. In response, myPhotopipe, a national online web site that turns digital images into photographic prints, today launched a new line of panoramic prints under its Gallery Series line of photographic prints and its Giclee line of fine art prints. The panoramas are available nationally via the company’s online service located at www.myphotopipe.com. The new products will start at two-feet and progress up to 8-feet wide. A photographer may choose a vertical or horizontal format.
PMA 2006: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 is announced. 6 megapixels, 12x zoom with optical stabilizer, 2.5 inch LCD.
Panasonic UK Press Release
New Digital Camera DMC-FZ7 Combines 12x Optical Zoom with MEGA O.I.S. in a Compact Body
Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX model 6.0-megapixel DMC-FZ7 with MEGA O.I.S., Optical Image Stabilizer that compensates the hand-shake, incorporating a 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 36mm to 432mm on a 35mm film camera) LEICA DC lens. Differing from the FZ30 with manual focus ring and manual zoom ring, which was already released and highly evaluated by prosumers, the FZ7 is more compact and easy to carry while preserving the same powerful zoom capability and manual controllability. It is the heir to the 5.0-megapixel DMC-FZ5, but enhanced its excellence not only with the total number of pixels but also with other innovative technical improvements such as incorporation of joystick which allows easy manual control on focusing in addition to the manual exposure setting. The 1.8-Inch LCD monitor for FZ5 has become large as 2.5-Inch for FZ7 gaining much brightness even in the low-lit situations thanks to the pixel-mixed readout method performed at the CCD. Furthermore, the adoption of 710 mAh big battery extends the battery life realizing 320 pictures shooting per a single charge. Last but not least, the FZ7 gains the High Sensitivity mode for one of the new scene modes that allows shooting at Max. ISO 1600 setting as another anti-blurring measure in addition to the MEGA O.I.S.
Panasonic UK Press Release
Panasonic DMC-LZ5 and DMC-LZ3 - Featuring Optical 6x Zoom and MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) Running on AA Batteries
Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX models 6.0-megapixel DMC-LZ5 and 5.0-megapixel DMC-LZ3, incorporating MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) and 6x optical zoom(equivalent to 37mm to 222mm on a 35mm film camera) lens, that run on two AA batteries.
MEGA O.I.S. is the image stabilization system against handshake that bears no picture deterioration. Panasonic is the first company in the industry to have succeeded in incorporating MEGA O.I.S. into a compact digital camera and now its benefit is strongly approved by the users of the world, considered to be the standard of photography.
Panasonic UK Press Release
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS2 - MEGA O.I.S. Equipped 5-megapixel 3x Optical Zoom DMC-LS2 Running on AA batteries
Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX models 5.0-megapixel DMC-LS2, incorporating MEGA O.I.S., an Optical Image Stabilizer that compensates the handshake, and 3x optical zoom lens, that runs on two AA batteries.
MEGA O.I.S. is the image stabilization system against handshake that bears no picture deterioration. Panasonic is the first company in the industry to have succeeded in incorporating MEGA O.I.S. into a compact digital camera and now its benefit is strongly approved by the users of the world, considered to be the standard of photography.
Digital Secrets Press Release
Drawing on the twin facts that every camera model is unique and every photographer has his or her individual levels of expertise, the DSLR series of premium eBooks is growing. Professionals and advanced enthusiast photographers will appreciate the depth and sharply focused insights these eBooks bring. All of the titles are the modern outgrowth of the most highly acclaimed camera eBooks in all of digital photography.
Authors iNova and Steinmueller introduce the fourth in the DSLR eBook shelf of interactive digital photography titles, completing the series on the Canon affordable digital single lens reflex cameras. The eBook series is read on both Windows and Macintosh computers with equal ease. Although each title concentrates on the unique features of a specific model of camera, the whole eBook covers the science, technology, art and creative aspects of digital photography as applied to that particular camera. Interactive features achieve demonstration, illustration and hyperlink functions from elements embedded right in the text and images.
You can learn more about all of these eBooks while saving $6.50 on all forms of shipping (making US delivery free) here: DSLR eBooks
The Ricoh GR Digital is announced today. The Ricoh GR Digital is an 8 megapixel compact digicam based on the GR Series of 35mm compact film cameras. The GR Digital has a a F2.4 fixed focal length lens equivalent to 28mm and a new GR Engine image-processing system. The Caplio GR Digital will be available from October for £399.99.
Ricoh UK Press Release
Ricoh announces the GR Digital Professional Grade High Resolution Compact Digital Camera
Northampton 2005. September 13 - Ricoh announced today the launch of the GR Digital, a newly developed professional-grade high-resolution compact digital camera. In addition to a CCD with 8,130,000 effective pixels, the new digital camera boasts superb resolution through a newly developed high-performance lens, image-processing algorithms, and other innovations, as well as low noise and low chromatic aberration.
The new GR Digital inherits the superb image quality that made the award winning GR Series (first launched in 1996) of 35mm compact film cameras so popular, as well as the depictive performance to satisfy professional photographers, distilled into a compact 25-mm thin body.
With a high-quality feel and superb expandability, this is the perfect tool for both professional photographers and advanced amateurs.
Graphics Management Press - Press Release
Digital Secrets and Graphics Management Press have released DSLR: Canon Digital Rebel XT / EOS 350D eBook.
A deep camera deserves a deep eBook. Something that goes beyond the manual and explores how to get much more out of the camera and its features. That’s the targeted goal of the DSLR series of eBooks.
The Canon Digital Rebel XT is an amazing camera with features so deep that virtually no single photographer uses them all. There are even four different functioning cameras inside the XT and each behaves with different buttons in different ways for different kinds of photographic results.
Here’s a camera that has redefined the DSLR market and the new Rebel XT eBook digs deep beneath its surface to bring out its secrets, special techniques, tricky technologies and wide range of accessories and lenses.
nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 is announced. nik Sharpener Pro 2 is a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop and other programs that allows you to sharpen digital images. nik Sharpener Pro 2 adds compatibility with 16-bit images, more control over sharpening and a larger preview area. nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 also features a new RAW Presharpening filter. nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 will be available in June. The Inkjet Edition costs $169.95 and nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Complete Edition costs $329.95.
nik multimedia, Inc. Press Release
New version of company’s award-winning digital image editing software features new tools for photographers
San Diego, CA – April 19, 2005 – nik multimedia, Inc. today announces nik Sharpener Pro™ 2.0, the long awaited upgrade to the popular nik Sharpener Pro software. nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 provides the easiest way for photographers and digital artists to optimally sharpen their digital images and achieve the best possible detail in their final prints. As a plug-in to Adobe® Photoshop® and other image editing applications, nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 is the perfect addition to a photographer’s digital workflow.
Nikon D2Hs is announced today. The Nikon D2Hs is a new version of the Nikon D2H digital SLR camera. The 4 megapixel D2Hs adds a number of improvements including 8 fps for a continuous burst of up to 50 images, IEEE802.11b/g Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A support, a higher resolution LCD screen. The D2Hs also adds support for GPS devices, 3D-Color Matrix Metering II and support for the sYCC color profile.
Nikon Press Release
The professional digital SLR for action and sports, featuring ultra-high speed, high image quality, and maximum efficiency
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of a professional digital SLR camera that delivers high speed, high precision, and improved handling for action photography: the Nikon D2Hs.
Nikon D2HsSince the launch of the D1 series and successful introduction of the Nikon DX Format in 1999, Nikon has been conducting extensive research into the needs of photographers in every field and discipline. This research, coupled with painstaking analysis of feedback from Nikon users worldwide, has led to a string of technological and design innovations for the Nikon DX Format aimed at enhancing system performance for the serious photographer.
Nikon Press Release
Three new optional PictureProject Plug-ins expand Nikon PictureProject software capability for even greater shooting, editing and sharing options when using Nikon digital cameras
PictureProject COOLPIX Remote Control, nik Color Efex Pro 2.0 Express Edition and PictureProject DVD Show.
TOKYO — Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of three optional Plug-ins for expanded functionality. Nikon’s exclusive PictureProject software is bundled with every Nikon digital camera and Nikon Capture software is purchased separately. PictureProject COOLPIX Remote Control Plug-in enables users to operate the COOLPIX 8400 and COOLPIX 8800 cameras remotely from a computer. The nik Color Efex Pro 2.0 Express Edition, compatible with Nikon’s PictureProject and Capture software provides users a host of highly creative visual effects. PictureProject DVD Show allows automatic creation of advanced videos made from still images and movie clips that are combined with music and special effects, then saved on a recordable CD or DVD.
Fujifilm US Press Release
Valhalla, NY, February 8, 2005 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., is exhibiting a broad range of imaging technologies and products at PMA 2005 under the banner, “Fujifilm. Leading Imaging Solutions”. Even as technology and the marketplace evolve, Fujifilm is continuing to lead the industry in providing advanced imaging solutions along the capture - store - print - share continuum.
“For more than 70 years Fujifilm has consistently researched and introduced advances in its technology to deliver excellent quality imaging products and great services for all of our customers,” said Atsushi Yoneda, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. “Even as the photo-imaging industry redefines itself in digital terms, the imaging know-how we’ve amassed can be seen in our latest products and solutions. As a result, we remain a reliable brand, a premier manufacturer, a valued supplier and in this complex market - a sought-after business partner.”
At PMA 2005, Fujifilm will unveil new digital cameras, new 35mm film and film cameras and the latest advances in printing solutions - all underscoring the company’s commitment to providing the best solutions to its customers.
Polaroid Corporation Press Release
—New PolaroidPics Offers Consumers Free Service for Storing and Sharing Photos Online Plus Lab-Quality Prints—
WALTHAM, Mass., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/—Polaroid Corporation today announced PolaroidPics, its new online photofinishing website (http://www.polaroidpics.com/), developed for consumers who want a hassle-free way to store, share and print their digital images. PolaroidPics is a convenient, full-service site that offers innovative features plus full online security.
“With our strong background in photography and image printing, we are excited to be a part of the online photofinishing market,” said Jeff Hopper, vice president and chief marketing officer, Polaroid Corporation. “As digital capture continues to skyrocket, Polaroid is committed to serving its consumers across the spectrum of their digital imaging needs, including capture, print and storage. With the launch of PolaroidPics, we are poised to continue to expand our digital products and service offerings.”
JPG Magazine Press Release
Photobloggers Derek Powazek, founder of www.fray.com, and Heather Champ, founder of www.mirrorproject.com, have launched JPG Magazine (www.jpgmag.com) using the full color print on demand technology of Lulu (www.lulu.com). JPG Magazine is for people who love imagemaking without attitude. It’s about the kind of photography you get when you love the moment more than the camera. It’s for photographers who share their work online, but would like to see that work in print.
Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) January 31, 2005—In a sea of blogs, photobloggers offer some of the most beautiful and provocative content on the Internet. Photoblogging —- the posting of digital photographs on a web site, or blog —- provides an ideal way for photographers to share images, receive feedback, and form communities with common interests. But as any photographer will tell you, photoblogging can never replace the satisfaction of seeing and holding a picture in your hands. To marry the worlds of photobloggers and print photography, an innovative San Francisco couple hatched JPG Magazine (www.jpgmag.com), a full-color publication devoted entirely to photography.
Epson America Press Release
Popular Epson Online Experience Digital Printing Course Now Available via Authorized Photo Dealers
Unique On-Demand Program Enables Photo Enthusiasts and Advanced Amateurs to Learn Digital Printing Secrets of the Pros at Home at Their Own Pace
LONG BEACH, Calif.—(Business Wire)—Jan. 18, 2005—In response to the ongoing demand for high-quality education in digital photography, Epson America Inc. has begun offering its Online Experience digital photography and printing program via authorized photo dealers, making it even easier for photo enthusiasts and advanced amateurs to participate in the valuable on-demand program. This unique program offers participants expert techniques, valuable tips and insider secrets the pros use to create spectacular digital prints.
ExpoDisc Press Release 11/10/04
Red Raven Marketing To Handle Distribution
Uxbridge, Ontario, Nov.10, 2004 - ExpoDisc Inc., the pioneer in diffusion filters that allow photographers to fine-tune color balance at capture, today announced that the ExpoDisc product line will now be available at retail outlets throughout Canada. Distribution will be handled by Ontario-based Red Raven Marketing.
ExpoDisc, headquarted in Morgan Hill, CA, develops diffusion filters that provide fast, accurate color at capture. The initial products that will be sold in Canada include the white balance and digital warm balance filters. The filters are designed for professional photographers, videographers, and serious amateurs.
With ExpoDisc filters, photographers no longer have to shoot through extra glass, carry inconsistent and cumbersome cards, or spend hours on the computer in post-production color correction.
Scheider Press Release 21/10/04
Hauppauge, NY, October 21, 2004 - Scheider Optics, the well known lens and professional filter manufacturer, now offers a broad line of B+W Digital-Pro filters created specifically for digital cameras.
Whether using a simple point-and-shoot, a digital SLR (DSLR) or a digital camcorder, B+W Digital-Pro filters are designed to enable the user to capture the best possible image in-camera, with a wide range of artistic effects and superb results whether or not the image is subsequently adjusted with image editing software. In fact, using a B+W Digital-Pro filter up front will actually enable a greater amount of subsequent software manipulation, by providing more detail across the entire image spectrum.
“Using B+W Digital-Pro filters enable you to start out with a superior image, allowing you to use your software to enhance your photos if you wish, rather than waste time using your software to correct image problems that may not be repairable” explained Scheider Senior Vice President Ron Leven. “While software is a powerful tool for any digital photographer, it doesn’t eliminate detail-blocking glare like a polarized filter does…it cannot replace the detail in an overexposed sky routinely captured using an on-camera graduated ND filter…and of course, it can’t protect your lens from damange the way a UV/skylight filter can.”
Canon UK Press Release 19/08/04
Canon launches fun new PowerShots - in colour
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the release of its new entry level digital camera - the PowerShot A400 - available, in four eye-catching colours. The 3.2 Megapixel camera features a 2.2x optical zoom and Canon’s DIGIC processor for superb image quality. The high performance 9-point AiAF autofocus, the Intelligent Orientation Sensor and 12 shooting modes make it easy to take great photos, even under challenging conditions.
This latest entry level model records to an SD memory card, allowing the camera body to be smaller and lighter. The A400 features an Intelligent Orientation Sensor, and can record up to 3-minute movie clips (new VGA quality up to 30 seconds). With a Print/Share button to simplify direct printing and uploading to Windows PCs, and a free 100 MB online photo album with Canon iMAGE GATEWAY, the A400 is designed to be fun and easy to use.
Rollei Press Release 18/08/04
The Rollei Prego da4 is the second new model in a versatile line of Rollei digital cameras.
By comparison with the entry-level model Prego da3, the Prego da4 has even more to offer: A 4.1-megapixel CCD is a sound basis for high-quality prints up to A4 size; a 3x D-VarioApogon zoom lens and a 3.3x digital zoom let you zoom in on your subject, and a video mode captures even moving images. The Prego da4 will be available for ? 249 (incl. VAT) from September 2004.
4.1 million pixels, a high-performance 3x D-VarioApogon zoom lens 5.6-16.8mm (equivalent to approx. 36-108 mm in 35mm photography) with maximum apertures of f/2.8-4.9 and a 3.3x digital zoom are the heart of this powerful but compact digital camera from the new Prego series. Focusing is controlled automatically from 0.5 m to infinity; a macrofocus setting takes care of subject distances as short as 15 ? 50 cm.
Pentax Press Release 02/02/04
NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: LATEST PENTAX DIGITAL CAMERA JUST THE FIT FOR NEWCOMERS
GOLDEN, Colorado (February 2, 2004)...Feeling a little daunted by digital? Help is on the way inside the new PENTAX Optio30 digital camera. This latest PENTAX camera is designed for newcomers with little or no digital photography experience making it a perfect answer for a growing demand for quality, easy-to-use digital.
In addition to 3.2 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom, and the signature, compact dimensions of the PENTAX digital brand, the Optio30 sports a simple, but revolutionary, menu prompt that provides helpful, tutorial messages about frequently used digital camera functions. With a simple touch, this feature will guide new, and old, hands through the camera?s array of digital features. Expertise is the last thing you need to go digital with PENTAX—just turn on the Optio30 and shoot!
The PENTAX Optio30 makes digital easy and fun! Equipped with PictBridge, a new direct-print standard released by the Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA), the Optio30 connects directly to your printer so you may print images without a personal computer! You also may record a favorite shot on the start-up screen and select customized wallpaper choices for the menu screen on the ample 1.6 inch LCD monitor. In addition to a variety of conventional picture modes (Landscape, Nightscene, Nightscene Portrait, Portrait, Surf and Snow, Flower), the innovative Optio30 virtual mode dial features new lifestyle-oriented modes including Pet, Party, and Food.
Pentax Press Release 02/02/04
PENTAX PACKS BIG MONITOR ON A LITTLE DIGITAL: NEW OPTIO S4i CAMERA BOASTS FIRST PENTAX CRADLE CHARGE
GOLDEN, Colorado (February 2, 2004) PENTAX USA packs a hefty 1.8 inch LCD monitor for larger viewing and focusing on the tiny, new Optio S4i digital camera. With 4.0 megapixels and a 3X optical zoom, this latest Optio digital camera also features the first PENTAX digital cradle-style lithium ion recharge base unit. The rechargeable unit design makes it so easy to recharge the Optio S4i. Simply set the camera in the recharge base until it ready to use again.
Featuring the legendary smc PENTAX lens and the unique PENTAX Sliding Lens system that allows the lens to retract fully when the camera is off lens, the Optio S4i is sleek and compact enough to carry everywhere. With the optional, acrylic waterproof housing that is newly-designed for the Optio S4i, everywhere may well include the exciting world of underwater digital photography! For optimal results, the Optio S4i now features both Marine Picture and Marine Movie modes to capture drama of blue underwater hues.